Argument over spousal support and financial need as parents trade claims over money

Financial issues were a central theme of closing arguments. Defense counsel argued the mother’s affidavit showed significant monthly receipts (including child support and temporary payments) and that the father had already paid $1,500 monthly since February plus car payments and insurance, while the mother currently lives with her parents and is a full‑time student. The father’s counsel argued those payments should be reduced or restructured and asked the court to calculate child support under statutory guidelines and impute the mother’s income.

Mother’s counsel countered that Thomas had limited access to funds at times due to alleged financial control, that she has no current job and is pursuing education to become self‑sufficient, and that the father has had significant business deposits previously shown to the court. The judge ordered child support to be recalculated under guideline methods, with the mother's income imputed for calculation purposes, and reserved permanent spousal decisions for later proceedings. "You'll pay that car note and the insurance, but that will be the extent of that" the judge said as part of the temporary spousal support arrangement.