Alimony can be a vague concept to many. For example, you may have heard of alimony and know what it entails, but you may have questions about the details. For example, will you be eligible to receive alimony after your divorce? Read on to learn the answers to some of the most common questions regarding alimony in New Jersey.
What are the different types of alimony awarded in New Jersey?
Every relationship is different. As a result, there are different types of alimony. The biggest factor when determining the type of alimony you receive is the length of your marriage and how your finances were handled throughout your marriage. The most common types of alimony include:
- Open Durational Alimony: This type of alimony reserved for spouses who have been married for 20+ years. Open durational alimony is open-ended, and can go on for an indeterminate amount of time. However, if someone receiving open educational alimony gets a higher-paying job, receives a large sum of money, or remarries, alimony may be terminated.
- Limited Duration Alimony: If you are the financially dependent spouse and have been married for less than 20 years, the court will most likely grant you limited duration alimony. This essentially awards you the financial support you need for a predetermined period of time.
- Reimbursement Alimony: When a spouse has paid for their spouse’s education or training, the spouse who paid for their spouse’s education may receive reimbursement alimony.
- Rehabilitative Alimony: When a spouse foregoes his or her career to support his or her spouse and further their career, this spouse may be awarded what is known as rehabilitative alimony. This type of alimony is designed to provide that spouse with any education or retraining they may need to resume the career they set aside.
Will I be eligible to receive alimony?
Typically, a judge will determine the type of alimony you receive, which will then determine the length of payments. However, a judge will still have to determine the amount of said payments. In order to make this decision, a judge will consider:
- The length of your marriage
- The standard of living established in your marriage
- You and your spouse’s yearly income
- Your child custody/support agreement
- You and your spouse’s age and health
- Any other factor the court deems relevant
If you have any questions or concerns about alimony in New Jersey, our firm is here to help.
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