New Jersey Alimony Attorneys

Worried couple looking at their bills on the sofaRepresenting NJ clients in determining spousal support

When New Jersey couples want to dissolve their relationship and get a divorce, they have to address the same issues. One of the most contested issues NJ spouses face is alimony. In New Jersey, alimony is called spousal support. In some cases, couples are able to set their emotions aside and resolve their issues amicably. In other cases, some couples will have to go to court over the issue. Alimony can be a heated and emotional topic. Both parties feel entitled to a certain amount of support or a limited obligation to support the dependent party. One may believe that they have worked harder as a parent and breadwinner and deserves to keep more of the money. The other party may believe that since they were home taking care of the family or deferred life goals in order for the other spouse to succeed, they deserve more support than the law allows. Unless they can come to an agreement outside of court, they will most likely have to have a judge decide on the matter. New Jersey courts will decide on what is fair and just to both parties and take into consideration factors, including:

  • Length of the marriage
  • Age of spouses
  • Financial information
  • Each party’s role in the family
  • Monetary and non-monetary contributions to the marriage

Alimony in New Jersey

New Jersey laws related to spousal support have recently changed. In 2014, permanent alimony was replaced with open durational alimony. Permanent alimony was never supposed to be forever and the change in law helped lawmakers resolve that disputed issue. When couples face divorce and the issue of support, circumstances will dictate which type of alimony is applicable to the divorce. The 4 types of alimony include open durational, limited duration, rehabilitative, and reimbursement alimony.

NJ open durational alimony

Open durational alimony is similar to permanent alimony. It applies to couples that have been married for over 20 years, does not have a set end date, and can be modified based on changing circumstances based on financial needs and the earning potential of both parties. It differs from permanent alimony in the sense that it is not a lifetime obligation and some factors can end the arrangement.

New Jersey limited-durational alimony

When couples face a divorce from a short-term marriage, New Jersey courts may award a dependent party limited-durational alimony based on the duration of the marriage, the age of each spouse, and the earning potential of the couple. The purpose of this type of spousal support is to help the dependent party become financially independent for a limited period of time.

NJ rehabilitative alimony

Similar to a limited-durational alimony structure, rehabilitative alimony will work to help a dependent spouse become financially independent and reach full financial stability within a limited period of time. Most often, this structure of alimony will pay for additional schooling or vocational training to advance one’s earning potential.

Reimbursement alimony in NJ

In some marriages, one of the spouses has deferred their life goals in favor of the financial success of the other and the betterment of the family. Reimbursement alimony is a structure that supports a dependent spouse while they pursue an advanced degree of vocational training that was deferred to assist the other party in their financial success.

NJ courts are fair and just

New Jersey courts always try and come to a fair and just structure for alimony. NJ judges will consider many factors when deciding on the right support structure. Once a judge decides on the matter, it becomes legally binding. In fortunate circumstances, some couples can set aside their emotions and work through mediation to come to an amicable conclusion on the matter. Under the right situation, courts will advocate for the mediation process in order to save the state and couple money.

Contact a New Jersey law firm with alimony experience

 If you need quality legal advice or passionate representation related to spousal support issues, contact The Salvo Law Firm today.