How Does Alimony Work in New Jersey?

Alimony payments are one of the most hotly-contested issues in divorce. However, if you are getting divorced as a financially dependent spouse, you most likely require alimony payments to retain your standard of living. Please read on and speak with our experienced New Jersey alimony attorneys to learn more about how we can help you.

What are the different types of alimony, or spousal support available in New Jersey?

Within the last few years, New Jersey has updated its laws regarding alimony available to financially dependent spouses. With the recently-updated laws in place, permanent alimony no longer exists. The four types of alimony currently available to individuals in New Jersey are as follows:

  • Open durational alimony: Open durational alimony essentially replaced permanent alimony. Open durational alimony is generally reserved for marriages that lasted for at least 20 years. Open durational alimony grants financially dependent spouses alimony payments for a non-specified amount of time–this means that the payments have no definitive end, however, if circumstances change, alimony terms may be revisited. For example, open durational alimony may end if the dependent spouse either remarries, gets a new job, or otherwise acquires a large sum of money.
  • Limited duration alimony: Generally, this type of alimony is granted to spouses who are financially independent, yet have been married for less than 20 years. In limited duration alimony, the judge will usually predetermine when the alimony will end.
  • Reimbursement alimony: This type of alimony is reserved for spouses who paid for the other spouse’s expenses while he or she was in school or training. Oftentimes, reimbursement alimony is ordered to repay the spouse.
  • Rehabilitative alimony: When a spouse puts off his or her career goals to support the other spouse’s career, rehabilitative alimony may be ordered to help the dependent spouse receive any reeducation or retraining needed to get back up to speed in his or her career.

How do New Jersey courts determine alimony payments in New Jersey?

New Jersey courts consider several aspects of you and your spouse’s lives before deciding on alimony terms. Some of these factors can include you and your spouse’s age and health, terms of your child custody agreement, each party’s earning capacity, the duration of your marriage, the standard of living established in the marriage, and more.

Contact our experienced New Jersey firm

The law firm of Mattleman, Weinroth & Miller, P.C., is composed of experienced defense attorneys throughout the state of New Jersey. We understand the severity and immediacy of all personal injury claims and additional legal matters, and we provide each of our clients with compassionate and aggressive legal assistance, every step of the way. Please contact our office for a free initial consultation and get any questions answered regarding your legal case.