During the divorce process, many different issues arise for couples to sort out. One frequent point of contention in divorces is whether or not to award spousal support and, if so, how much and how long it should be paid. The court takes into consideration the unique circumstances of a couple’s relationship when deciding whether to award spousal support. A skilled family attorney can advocate for what is fair based on the couple’s particular circumstances.
If you are getting divorced, you need an experienced legal advocate. Because spousal support is a financial issue, it profoundly impacts couples in the years following the divorce. With your financial future at stake, hiring a Piscataway spousal support lawyer is crucial. Whether you need to pursue alimony from your former spouse or advocate for fair terms if you are the one paying spousal support, we are here to help. Reach out now to learn more about when alimony is appropriate and how to calculate the amount and length.
New Jersey Spousal Support
In New Jersey, spousal support is a sum of money one spouse pays the other after divorce. The purpose of awarding spousal support is to lighten the financial burden on a spouse who was financially dependent on the other. Alimony can be paid as a lump sum or in installments. Courts will award spousal support in divorces where one spouse has a significantly higher earning potential or income than the other. However, the court is less likely to award spousal support if both spouses have a comparable income, education, and living situation.
If the couple’s marriage lasted for less than 20 years, New Jersey law limits how long alimony is paid. Alimony cannot be awarded for longer than the length of the marriage unless circumstances warrant doing so (if, for example, one spouse is chronically ill, or the spouse in need of support is the children’s primary caretaker). Many different factors can affect the duration and amount of spousal support. Contact an experienced Piscataway spousal support attorney to discuss limitations on alimony.
Awarding Spousal Support
When considering whether to award alimony payments from one spouse to another, a court will analyze many different factors to determine what is fair. Unlike child support, New Jersey alimony awards are not determined by a complex set of formulas. Instead, the court examines a variety of factors to determine what amount, if any, is appropriate. One of three common alimony arrangements may be put in place.
Rehabilitative Alimony
Rehabilitative alimony is financial support given to an ex-spouse to become self-supporting through education and job training. It lasts for a limited time period based on the goal. For example, the alimony payments may last for four years, to give an ex-spouse time to attain a college degree.
Permanent Alimony
This type of alimony lasts for an indefinite period of time, usually until either the payor or payee passes away. Permanent spousal support is rarer now than it has been in the past. Usually, permanent alimony is only a consideration in marriages of extremely long duration where the spouses have vastly different earning capacities.
Limited Duration Alimony
Also known as term alimony, this type of spousal support is only available for a fixed period. It is usually awarded for short-term help to supplement a spouse’s income during the divorce proceedings. Under certain circumstances, alimony for a specified term may be modified or terminated if the person receiving alimony begins to share housing with a new romantic partner.
After your divorce is over, you may still face alimony issues. If there has been a substantial change in circumstances, alimony awards may be modified or terminated. Factors such as remarriage, variation in income, change in health, job status, and location can all affect spousal support. At the Law Office of Jennifer L. Marshall, LLC, we provide ongoing representation concerning alimony awards.
Hire a Piscataway Spousal Support Attorney for Professional Legal Guidance
If you are getting divorced from your spouse, you need a skilled attorney on your side to answer your questions about alimony and the rest of the legal process. Each couple will have unique considerations when deciding if spousal support is appropriate based on their relationship. A family law attorney can also assist you with crafting an argument for or against alimony based on the relevant factors the court will consider.
If you are concerned about the financial implications of your divorce, a knowledgeable Piscataway spousal support lawyer can work with you to develop a solid legal strategy for your case. Contact our firm today to learn more.