you should definitly talk to a couple of different lawyers.in most states alimony is only awarded if you have been married for 7 or more years.you technically are entitled to half of all MARITAL ASSETS,that means things you guys acquired while married,so if bought a house together,you are entitled to half,if she bought it pre marriage it's a pre-marital asset and you aren't entitled to it.so you need to determine if you guys have more than $84,000 in assets,but be smart if you 2 own a home valued at $200,000 and you $180,000 on it you might be smart to take the $42,000,seeing as how there would only be $20,000 in equity,your half being $10,000.and the tax thing doesn't make sense,if she gives you $42,000 of marital income,then she should of already paid taxes on it and you shouldn't have to.
