If you are a financially dependent divorcing spouse in the state of New Jersey, there is a very good chance you will need alimony, or spousal support, to retain your standard of living. If you find yourself in this situation, you must read on and speak with our experienced New Jersey alimony attorney as soon as you can. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the different types of spousal support in New Jersey?
There are four primary types of spousal support available to individuals in New Jersey, each of which designed to better suit certain financial and marital circumstances. The main types of alimony available to dependent spouses in New Jersey are as follows:
- Open Durational Alimony: This type of alimony is usually for dependent spouses who have been married for over 20 years. While there is no longer permanent alimony available in New Jersey, open durational alimony payments can go on for an indeterminate amount of time. Therefore, dependent spouses who have been married for more than 20 years will generally be able to receive alimony payments either until they remarry, make more yearly income, receive a large sum of money, or are otherwise capable of living without their former spouse’s alimony payments.
- Limited Duration Alimony: This is reserved for spouses who have been married for less than 20 years. When the court recognizes that you, as the dependent spouse, truly need alimony payments, the judge may award you alimony for a set length of time.
- Rehabilitative Alimony: If you are a spouse who put his or her career goals on hold to support your spouse’s career, you may be awarded rehabilitative alimony after a divorce to help you pay for any education or retraining you may need in your respective career to help pick up where you left off.
- Reimbursement Alimony: If you paid for your spouse’s expenses, such as higher education or training and then he or she filed for divorce, you may receive reimbursement alimony to repay you.
How will courts decide on alimony payments?
Courts will consider various factors when it comes to deciding how much money you or your spouse require in alimony payments. Some of the most important factors can include your child custody agreement, your age and health, the standard of living established in your marriage, the duration of your marriage, the earning capacity of each party, and more.
Contact our experienced New Jersey firm
Our firm proudly represents clients in New Jersey who are faced with matters of family law, criminal defense, business law, real estate law, or estate planning. If you require strong and dedicated representation for any of your legal matters, please do not hesitate to contact The Law Offices of George J. Mardinly to schedule a consultation.