No Alimony Payments For McGreevey

By Sheryl Rentz on December 9, 2008

New York Times reporter Mitchell L. Blumethal reported on August 8, 2008 that a judge ruled that former New Jersey Governor James E. McGreevey will not have to make alimony payments to his former wife. McGreevy resigned from office after admitting he had an affair with a male aide. Wife, Dina Matos was married to McGreevey for eight years.

State Superior Court Judge Karen Cassidy granted the couple a divorce after McGreevey announced on national television that he was “a gay American.”

“No alimony — that’s what I’m talking about,” Mr. McGreevey’s lawer, Stephen Haller, said after the decision was read in court, the Star-Ledger of Newark reported on its Web site. Ms. Matos was seeking four monthly payments of $2,500 which Judge Cassidy ruled out. Judge Cassidy also lowered McGreevey’s child support payments from $1,750 to $1,075 a month.

After a very public and bitter court battle, Ms. Matos was stunned to find out that she would receive no proceeds from McGreevey’s book “The Confession,” that portrays his side of the story that led to his resignation in August 2004. Ms. Matos also released her version of what happened in a book entitled “Silent Partner.” Child custody of their 6 year old daughter will be shared between the couple. Presently McGreevey is enrolled as a seminary student in New York and will earn $48,000 this year making him to poor to pay alimony. Ms. Matos, who lives in Springfield, told the Associated Press “Although the victimization continues, I am stronger for the experience.”

These cases dealing with former public officials must be treated with dignity and sensitivity just like any other case. The Philadelphia divorce attorneys at the Law Office of Sheryl R. Rentz have years of experience in successfully handling spousal and child support cases as well as alimony cases. We will help you sort through the legal process and paperwork at a time when sorting and putting your life back on track is a priority. Please do not hesitate to call us today at (610) 645-0100 for a free and confidential consultation.