spousal support eligibility

[traumagirl]

my ex was told at the trial management conference that he'd likely be refused spousal support form me as he presently has a good job and is able-bodied to work. In addition, he also has a side business that brings in money here and there.
He claims that 'he put me through school'. He worked at the time and the kids were with babysitters. I took out loans to support my education and worked part time.
Since separation in 2005, he has grossed consistently about 115,000. My income was less at separation at 61,000 increasing yearly to 120,000 last year. He claims he quit his job due to stress from separation (in Feb this year?) and took a lower paying job now. He admits to doing cash jobs under the table. We are in day 3 of trial, and he is requesting ss as he feels entitled to it. I will add he has not contributed any cs to myself, no contributions to meds, activities etc. I have had the children 70% of the time, interim custody with his eow access. He hasn't seen the children since May.
He also lives in the house has tried to hide household assetts, and wants it all signed over to him. He is also seeking primary custody of the children and child support.
What are the odds of him receiving anything? Any guesses on the outcome of this?

[Mess]

You have had 70% access all these years, and lately he hasn't even been there for the EOW? What argument does he have for full custody? You have status quo and he is not even maintaining a relationship with the kids.

If he was told at the conference that he wouldn't get spousal, then he probably won't. The judge at the conference is going by most of the same details at trial, except for cross-examinations, so they will 90% of the time make the same recommendation. That is the whole point. If it were a case of "might get spousal, depends" then the conference judge would likely have said so and even ordered an interim amount without prejudice. That didn't happen, sounds like he is out of luck.

He owes you 4 years child support and hasn't paid even a small token amount each month, my lawyer would say this is "comical".