Temp/Emergency Support in FL

I'll be brief. I am on SSDI (cardiac probs. as well as bipolar). 20 yr. marriage. Husband a retired professional, collects over $2,000 in pension, annuities, etc. My income is $ 1,200 a month. Net worth on court documents is 1.9 million---I kid you not. I have temp. and sole possession of the home. He is ordered to pay mortgage and utilities. There is a no contact rule. I am the Plaintiff.

I have YET to be awarded temporary emergency support!

It has been 7 months (!) and I have run up my 2 credit cards almost to the max just buying food, gas, dr and rx co-pays, etc. I am also tagged for paying for pool and lawn care. He has ignored a stipulation that requires him to reimburse me monthly for those expenses. I am struggling to pay the minimum on my cards and still exist. Of course, I have a family law attorney. She has experience and was well recommended. Far as I can tell she has filed everything properly and she performs well in the courtroom.

This week we went to court armed with the financial affidavits (it was a continuation since his windbag lawyer dominated the last session). Even the Judge became annoyed with him (the attorney) and let him know it. My attny asked for her fees, and the amount determined by the financial affidavit for my temp. emergency support (as well as my support retro-active 7 mos.)

Upshot: Judge awarded the ex pay all my legal fees thus far ($ 25,000). She (the Judge) told my attorney to write up the order. She then said she "needed to look over the papers submitted" and she would determine support for me, however she said she would not address the retroactive money. WTH! It would take me 20 years to pay off my charges paying a minimum. Talk about a hardship! I was buying food and gas, not Gucci clothes!

I am in Florida. PM me if you need more info (county, etc.). If anyone has had a similar experience I'd appreciate the feedback. I don't know what's coming around the corner, but right now I feel like I've been shafted. Why does Emergency Temporary Support exist if I can't collect it for 7.5 months? Why would the Judge defer this and make me wait even longer? Why does she refuse to address the retroactive support?

PS-The Judge I refer to is a Magistrate. One of the Family Court Judges will sign the final decree, that is if we don't end up going to trial. And I do know a trial is best avoided.

I would ask your attorney to ask the Judge to re-address the retroactive support, keeping in mind that your credit cards have been MAXED TO THE LIMIT just to pay for your gas, lights, food, water, fuel for car, etc. -- only essentials!
Perhaps the judge will take pity. The judge SHOULD award these to you, since he was ORDERED to pay these costs in the first place!

Talk with your attorney and see what she says. I hope she's not scared of the judge. God bless & take care. Hugs, Lee