What Are the Different Types of Alimony in New Jersey? 

Facing a divorce may spark the conversation around alimony. It is important to understand the different types of alimony that are available to individuals who have been dependent on their spouse financially and are facing a divorce. Continue reading to discover the four primary types of alimony and the factors that the courts will consider when determining how much alimony you may receive in New Jersey.

What will the courts consider when deciding how much alimony I will receive?

New Jersey courts will consider the following factors when determining alimony:

• 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

What are the different types of alimony in New Jersey? 

There are four main types of alimony available in New Jersey. The following are the four primary types of alimony available to individuals who have been dependent on their spouse financially in New Jersey:

• Rehabilitative alimony: Rehabilitative alimony is primarily used when a spouse requires additional schooling or vocational training in order to become financially independent.
  • When one spouse left their job to care for their children, this may have resulted in their loss of skills to return to the work world.
  • Rehabilitation alimony will be utilized in this scenario to allow that individual to undergo training to re-enter the workplace. 
• 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.
  • The spouse who sacrificed their own earning potential or education opportunities may be entitled to reimbursement which will be based on the financial contributions toward the former spouses’ education including the following:
    • Household expenses, school travel costs, education expenses, and other contributions.
• 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.
  • However, it is possible to modify the alimony amount based on a significant change in circumstance such as the following:
    • Remarriage, cohabitation, or receiving/earning a sum of money that eliminates the need for financial support.

If you have any additional questions, do not hesitate to contact our experienced New Jersey divorce attorney today.

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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.