In hard times, a divorce can pack an even harder financial punch

LINDA STEIN

The Times

Robert Smilow's family business has been on a downturn over the last five years. The textile company, which designs and makes patterns for clothing manufacturers and once employed 15 people, has lost business to China due to the policies of the federal government, Smilow says.

"The way our government has structured our import and export taxes, it has decimated the business," Smilow said. "You can buy directly from China instead of from me." With its export business in trouble, the company suffered a crippling blow from the recession, and Smilow expects to be unemployed by January. The 43-year-old Hamilton Square man had separated from his wife six years ago. Their original agreement was that Smilow pay her $4,500 per month for alimony and child support for his children, who are 8 and 10, plus pick up the expenses for their children's camp and sports. He also paid for the family's health and car insurance.

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