When it comes to alimony, it is typical to have a lot of questions. Luckily, our firm is here to help. Read on for an overview of alimony in New Jersey.
Different types of alimony in New Jersey
In New Jersey, there are four main forms of alimony. This includes:
- Open Durational Alimony: Generally, this is reserved for spouses who have been married for over 20 years. Open durational alimony is not permanent, however, it 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, these are usually triggering events that will discontinue the alimony.
- 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, which essentially awards you the financial support you need for a predetermined period of time.
- Reimbursement Alimony: This is for spouses who paid for their spouse’s education or training, then that spouse filed for divorce. In this case, the spouse who paid for their spouse’s education may receive reimbursement alimony.
- Rehabilitative Alimony: When a spouse foregoes his or her career/career goals to support his or her spouse and further their career, oftentimes, after a divorce, the supporting 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 their career.
When can I stop paying alimony?
It is important to know that you cannot stop paying alimony without permission from the court. Alimony can be lowered, increased, terminated, or extended, depending on the situation. For example, in New Jersey, alimony will end if the dependent spouse gets remarried.
Failing to pay court-ordered alimony can leave you in serious legal trouble. For example:
- Placing liens on owned properties in order to raise funds upon sale
- Work directly with banks to deduct funds directly from checking or savings accounts
- Find the other party in contempt of court which is a criminal offense
- Garnishing wages in order to secure payment
- Seizing property of the other party in order to sell the items to raise funds for alimony payments
If you have any questions about alimony in New Jersey, contact our firm today.
Contact our experienced Red Bank 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.