The topic of alimony can cause tremendous stress and heartbreak. The purpose of alimony is to ensure that the dependent spouse is able to maintain a similar standard of living after the divorce than they did during their marriage. Because alimony payments are known to be one of the most highly contested divorce-related issues, we highly recommend you retain the services of an experienced New Jersey divorce attorney as soon as possible. Contact Greenberg & Walden, LLC to discuss your case.
What are the different types of alimony in New Jersey?
New Jersey has recently revised their alimony laws. In previous years, many spouses received permanent alimony payments. However, because alimony was never crafted to be permanent, New Jersey created 4 types of alimony structures that dependent spouses may receive, including:
- Open Durational Alimony: If you were married to your spouse for over 20 years and are financially dependent, you may be awarded this type of alimony. This structure is most similar to permanent alimony because the financial support is for an indeterminate period of time. This alimony can only be terminated if you become financially dependent, or no longer require payments in the eyes of the New Jersey courts.
- Limited Durational Alimony: Dependent spouses in short-term marriages may be entitled to this type of alimony. The amount and duration will be determined by the judge.
- Rehabilitative Alimony: This is a short-term support structure created to help the dependant spouse to further their education. For example, if the dependent spouse deferred their career coals or left the workforce to support their spouse prior to the divorce, this type of alimony will be rewarded.
- Reimbursement Alimony: This structure is used when one spouse decides to go back to school or receive training for a new job and the other spouse pays for it. After the divorce, the spouse that paid may be able to receive this type of alimony to reimburse them for that cost.
What determines alimony in New Jersey?
New Jersey courts consider many factors in determining alimony arrangements. Some of the most common factors are:
- How long the couple has been married
- Each party’s earning capacity
- The dependant spouse’s needs
- The health of each party
- Whether the spouses have children together
- The age of each party
- The tax consequences that any alimony award may have
- Whether there has already been temporary support paid
- The standard of living that was established in the marriage
- How much income both spouses earn on a yearly basis
Contact our Firm
We understand how emotional and difficult matters of family law can be. If you need the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney to help protect your right to your family, please do not hesitate to contact our experienced firm. We are eager and dedicated to helping you through this difficult time. Our personal injury specialists at Greenberg & Walden, LLC are standing by for a free initial consultation. Call us at 201-528-6928
