I’m in an Arizona divorce case and responding to temporary orders. My ex is asking for $2,000/month in temporary alimony even though my net income is about $3,400/month, we still both live in the house, and I’m the one paying the mortgage, utilities, groceries, and all major household expenses. On a sworn financial affidavit that she signed and dated and provided to my lawyer she claimed to make $2900 a month. I feel like after factoring in household expenses she may owe me money.

I’ve also taken care of the children more than 50% of the time throughout the marriage with three kids. From my perspective, the status quo has not changed, which is why this support request feels completely disconnected from reality.

A big issue is that her taxes reportedly show only about $2,500 a year in income, but she is also a 50% owner of a six-figure business. From what I can tell, a lot of business expenses were written off, and I’m trying to understand how courts look at that when someone claims very low personal income but has access to or benefit from a business with substantial revenue. She is also now in online school, claiming to be a "full time student" and seems to be using that to argue for reduced earning capacity.

For those who’ve been through something similar, what strategies worked best in court or temporary orders hearings? What evidence mattered most when challenging low-income claims tied to business write-offs, inconsistent financial disclosures, and showing that you were already carrying the household and children? Any practical tips from experience would help.

Not looking for legal advice. Just looking for some insight from men who’ve dealt with similar situations.