Florida Congressman’s Fight Over Temporary Alimony
U.S. Representative Alan Grayson’s messy divorce is getting messier over claims for temporary alimony to fix the house. Court papers filed by the congressman’s estranged wife, Lolita Grayson, claim that he failed to pay for repairs to the family’s 5,300 square foot home while she is living there with four of their children during the divorce proceedings. According to the papers filed, the roof is leaking, broken windows are allowing rain to get inside, and the house has a significant mold problem because of the moisture.
Mrs. Grayson also claims that the congressman cut off her credit cards even though he has been the sole provider for finances for the last 24 years of their marriage. Her filings at the Orange County Courthouse claim that “The wife has been a stay-at-home wife and mother and is financially dependent on her husband,” the filing said. “The wife has no financial resources to contribute to the repairs and maintenance of the marital residence.” In addition, her attorney claims that conditions at the home are horrible.
Congressman Grayson’s attorney has fired back, claiming that the representative was providing for his family and is spending more than $10,000 per month on the home’s mortgage, child support, utilities and household expenses. In addition to the four younger children living at home, the couple has an adult child in school and he is paying for that child’s tuition.
The current allegations of the congressman’s failure to pay temporary spousal support are the latest in a series of allegations thrown between the congressman and his estranged wife during their contentious divorce proceedings. Earlier this year, Mrs. Grayson was granted a restraining order against the congressman after she alleged that he pushed her against the front door of their home when he stopped by the house. One month later, the congressman accused his wife of bigamy, claiming she was never divorced from her first husband when they married in 1990. Mrs. Grayson denied that claim and said that she was divorced by that time.
Florida Temporary Spousal Support
Temporary alimony, or spousal support, is alimony that is paid to one spouse while the divorce is pending. This type of alimony does not automatically award any other type of alimony to the spouse, and it is terminated once the divorce is finalized. The amount of temporary spousal support is determined by the judge at the discretion of the court.
Temporary alimony is usually requested when the petition for divorce is filed. The requesting spouse must show proof of marital relation, the financial need for temporary support, and the other spouse’s financial ability to give such support. The amount of the award is typically based on the style of living, expenses, and can include costs for food, clothing, shelter, transportation, and medical care.
Call a Florida Divorce Attorney Today
If you or someone that you know has questions regarding temporary spousal support or other divorce issues in the Orlando area, let the experienced family law attorneys at Steve W. Marsee, P.A. help. Call or contact the office today for a free and confidential consultation of your case.
