Written/Reviewed By:
Barry S. Kantrowitz, Esq.
Last Updated: May 7, 2014
Read Time: 2 mins
According to the New York Daily News, former governor Eliot Spitzer and his ex-wife have finalized their divorce, with Eliot handing over $7.5 million as part of the settlement. 
The news outlet reported that Silda Spitzer would also retain the family’s Fifth Avenue property, receive a new car every five years, money for “entertainment and activities expenses” and up to $100,000 to dish out to her favorite charities.
Eliot will pay out $240,000 annually to Silda until her death. The couple filed for divorce in January after a tumultuous five years at the end of their marriage, in which Spitzer was embedded in a nasty public prostitution scandal that destroyed his political career.
The couple married in 1987 and has three adult daughters.
How Do I Modify or Seek Spousal Support?
Many people, including those in the media, have focused on the high dollar amount involved in this case, rather than the important aspects surrounding alimony or spousal support. In New York & New Jersey, there are different kinds of alimony: permanent alimony, limited duration alimony and rehabilitative alimony. In addition, in New Jersey, there is reimbursement alimony; however, it is rarely awarded.
Permanent alimony, which it appears that Silda will receive, is available for someone involved in a long-term marriage, or when the circumstances surrounding a marriage or separation demand life-long support.
The potential cost of alimony should not scare people off from divorce. It should be noted that divorce decrees are not everlasting documents—if life changes necessitate the need for a modification, you can seek representation for changes.
Our family law offices in New York or New Jersey can be reached at (866) 971-0927. If you are thinking about a divorce or you want to seek a fair modification to your alimony payments, call us today.
Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. – Rockland County Divorce Attorneys
Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/silda-spitzer-7-5-million-divorce-payout-article-1.1771309
