gerilynn: I agree with normalwoman. In most States alimony is limited to just helping you get back on your feet financially unless you are disabled/older/long term marriage as a housewife. I am injured and was only working part time and it took nine months of negotiations/stalling for me to get any alimony. It's better not to depend on the ex's for much. They often do not want to help. I was taken back to court every other year and he was trying to reduce/eliminate the alimony. Get what you need to survive for now. Visit your local Food Pantry and/or get food stamps. See if there is a women's services center that can help you. You will have to put gas on a credit card or go on welfare. It may be your ex is spending a lot of money right now in the hopes he will get out of paying alimony. We were under court order not to do this. Some of the posters have gotten emergency alimony.