Paying alimony

Your lawyer can look at all of the facts and best give you that advice. In my experience, if the Court finds that alimony is required, they often go back to the date of filing of the divorce. Also, you will get credit for payments that are legally alimony that you have made during the process. Keep good records and copies of everything.

You are not required to pay support until a court orders it. My experience, unlike Ms. Tennis' experience, is that alimony usually starts at the time of settlement or at the time it is ordered, and it isn't usually ordered retroactive to the time of the filing of the divorce, but different areas of the state handle things differently. One thing is certain: you need to hire an experienced family law attorney.