Recently, I had the opportunity to reach the ear of an understanding, no-nonsense judge in an alimony modification.

The facts: simply put, the husband lost his job and sought court relief from his hefty alimony obligation. The husband had custody of the party’s only child; the wife worked part time and paid no child support. During the pendency of the action, the husband’s alimony obligation was reduced considerably, but still remained an economic burden. The day before the trial, the wife sought a continuance. The judge allowed the continuance, terminated the husband’s alimony obligation, ordered the wife to pay him child support on behalf of the child and continued the trial for nine months.