When it comes to divorce, alimony is often one of the most complicated issues. Read on for an overview of alimony in New Jersey.
What are the different types of alimony?
There are different types of alimony awarded for different circumstances. In New Jersey, the most common forms of alimony include:
- Rehabilitative alimony: Rehabilitative alimony is primarily used when a spouse requires additional schooling or vocational training in order to become financially independent.
- Reimbursement alimony: Reimbursement alimony is primarily used if both spouses have pooled their resources together to allow one party to pursue further education to achieve a higher earning potential.
- Limited-duration alimony: Limited-duration alimony will typically last until self-sufficiency has been reached or a set date has been reached. This type of alimony is primarily used to assist spouses who were in shorter-term marriages.
- Open-durational alimony: Open-durational alimony is primarily used for spouses who have been married for over 20 years. This alimony does not have a set end date.
How is alimony determined?
When making a decision about the amount of alimony and the duration of payments, a judge will consider the following:
- Duration of your marriage
- The standard of living established in your marriage
- You and your spouse’s age and health
- If you have any children
- Your child custody agreement
How is alimony enforced?
You cannot stop paying alimony without permission from the court. In fact, doing so can result in serious consequences, including:
- Garnish wages in order to secure payment
- Work directly with banks to deduct funds directly from checking or savings accounts
- Place liens on owned properties in order to raise funds upon sale
- Find the other party in contempt of court which is a criminal offense
- Seize property of the other party in order to sell the items to raise funds for alimony payments
If you have any questions or concerns about alimony in New Jersey, contact our firm today. We are here to advocate for you every step of the way.
Contact Our Experienced New Jersey Firm
Ross and Calandrillo, LLC is a full-service divorce, family, and real estate law firm located in Mountainside, New Jersey. For strong legal representation in all of your divorce or family law matters, contact Ross and Calandrillo, LLC to schedule a consultation.
