Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

I am going through a divorce right now and i have many unanswered questions. i was married for 18 years and i have 2 children. (13 $and 7). I have been the sole bread winner for just about the entire 18 years. My wife had a couple of small jobs here and there but ultimately did not amount to anything. My annual income is about 70k a year. Right now our "temporary orders" are that I have to pay her $600 a week. $300 for child support and $300 for "temporary spousal support". After working a 60 + hours week I am lucky to get $250- $350 to live on myself. We were supposed to go back to court in March but her Lawyer has managed to postphone our pre-trial 5 times and now we are scheduled for August. Now mind you I have just the clothes on my back from the marriage. I am lucky to have a company vehicle and cell phone.(which is used against me from her lawyer). I was granted use of our camper even though she has to make the payments.( which is my money anyway)... I was told by MY LAWYER in the beginning that MA does not grant alimony anymore... and that with my income the the most i would have to give her would be $350 a week. And MY LAWYER also told me I would never pay child support and alimony at the same time... I was also told by another lawyer that the judge will never tell her to get a job and the judge will make sure she gets enough money from me to support her "life style". Im trying to remain sane through this whole ordeal but its so unfair to me i think. And from what i keep being told, its going to last for a very long time.... I owned a home and a car before we married.. she came from her parents house with nothing...I guess my question is...Am I screwed or what??

Asked on 8/05/10, 5:42 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

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You should not be completely screwed, but the problem is the 7 year old and her working. You might need a more agressive attorney. I would contact another attorney and ask for a second opinion. Talk to friend who has been divorced and who thought his or her attorney was good and get a second opinion on what the support should be.

Good Luck.

Answered on 8/10/10, 7:36 am

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