Spousal support (also known as alimony) is one of the most frequently asked about questions when a couple is getting divorced. The reality is that not every couple even needs to worry about spousal support because both spouses are financially independent. Within the last few years, New Jersey changed their alimony structure, which many people aren’t aware of. There are four types of spousal support that the court will consider if they determine that support is necessary to order after your divorce.
One of the big factors in determining alimony is the length of the marriage. Marriages that lasted for more than 20 years may be eligible for open durational alimony, meaning that there is not an end date set at the time of the order but it can be modified if there is a drastic change in circumstances. Shorter marriages may be eligible for limited duration alimony. For this type of spousal support, the court will generally set a time for the payments to end.
There are two other types of alimony that the court may order depending on your situation. Rehabilitative alimony can be ordered if the dependent party put off their own career goals so their spouse can have success. These payments will generally go towards schooling for the dependent spouse so they can advance their career and become financially independent. Reimbursement alimony may be granted in situations where one spouse financially supported the other while they were in school. It reimburses the spouse for their pay spent supporting the other.
If you have questions about spousal support, contact our firm today.
Ross and Calandrillo, LLC is a full-service divorce, family, and real estate law firm in Mountainside, New Jersey. For strong legal representation in all of your family law matters, contact Ross and Calandrillo, LLC to schedule a consultation.
