Union County, N.J., Superior Court Judge Karen Cassidy's lecture came as Dina Matos McGreevey's lawyer told the court that she needs $56,000 a month to support the lifestyle she became used to as a governor's wife, the Star-Ledger newspaper in Newark, N.J., reported Tuesday.

McGreevey's political career and the couple's marriage came to a spectacular end in 2004 when he acknowledged he is homosexual, telling reporters "I am a gay American."

McGreevey now lives in Plainfield, N.J., with a male partner, while Matos-McGreevey lives in nearby Springfield with their daughter.

"You folks do not have the money to try this case to conclusion," Cassidy said, urging the McGreeveys to settle their differences on child custody and finances, the Star-Ledger article said.

McGreevey's lawyer said that, given Matos McGreevey's financial demands, a settlement is unlikely. He said that she would not be entitled to alimony in New Jersey unless the marriage had lasted at least 10 years.