How is Alimony Determined in New Jersey?
Alimony, or spousal support, is one of the most hotly-contested divorce-related issues. Whether you are seeking alimony payments or you are the financially independent spouse that may have to make these payments, it is in your best interest to continue reading and speak with our experienced Chatham divorce attorneys today to learn more about how we can help you through the legal process ahead. Here are some of the questions you may have about alimony in NJ:
What are the different types of alimony in New Jersey?
There are four primary types of alimony available to spouses in New Jersey. Those types of alimony are as follows:
- Open Durational Alimony: This is what has replaced permanent alimony in NJ. Essentially, financially dependent spouses who have been married for over 20 years will most likely receive open durational alimony. This is essentially a fixed alimony payment that the spouse will receive for an indeterminate period of time.
- Limited Duration Alimony: This is generally for financially dependent spouses in NJ who have been married for less than 20 years. The amount and duration of this type of alimony are predetermined by a judge.
- Reimbursement Alimony: Reimbursement alimony is for spouses who paid for the cost of their spouse returning to school or receiving training to further their career. For example, if you paid the cost of your spouse to go to college, and your spouse shortly thereafter divorced you, that spouse may owe you reimbursement alimony.
- Rehabilitative Alimony: This is for spouses who have deferred their career goals to support their spouse, only to have their spouse divorce them afterward. If you find yourself in this situation, you may be owed rehabilitative alimony, which should grant you the financial support you need to receive the retraining or education needed to pick up where you left off.
What factors do New Jersey courts consider when determining alimony?
New Jersey courts will consider several factors when determining your alimony agreement, including the following:
- The duration of your marriage
- The age and health of you and your spouse
- Both you and your spouse’s earning capacity
- If you are a parent, they will consider your child custody agreement
- You and your spouse’s yearly income
- Whether you or your spouse have received a higher level of education
- Any other factor the courts deem relevant
For any additional questions, simply speak with our experienced New Jersey divorce attorneys today.
Contact our experienced New Jersey firm
If you are considering a divorce and need an attorney who can effectively represent you through every step you can count on Lazor Rantas, PC. We proudly serve clients throughout New Jersey as they navigate divorce and family law matters. To discuss your case with an experienced legal team, contact Lazor Rantas, PC today.
