Spousal Support Attorney in Bridgewater, NJ
Alimony, also referred to as spousal support, is a common obstacle in New Jersey divorces. This is often requested by one party who was financially supported throughout the duration of the marriage and would like to maintain a similar quality of life after the divorce. Of course, convincing the more-monied spouse to continue to support the other party when the marriage is over usually doesn’t come easy. Therefore, no matter which side of this disagreement you are on, it is essential that you have strong legal representation on your side. To discuss your alimony options with a skilled New Jersey divorce attorney, contact Siragusa Law today and schedule a consultation.
Spousal Support Options in New Jersey
New Jersey has recently changed the laws related to alimony. The state has abolished “permanent” alimony because it was never supposed to be permanent. Instead, it has installed the term “open-durational” to more adequately describe this type of alimony. New Jersey has 4 types of alimony structures, including:
- Open durational alimony: dependent spouses in marriages lasting more than 20 years may be entitled to this alimony. Though the structure has no end date, the amount of alimony and the end of the alimony can always be modified by changing circumstances to the financial need and the earning potential of each party.
- Limited durational alimony: Dependent spouses in short term marriages may be entitled to limited duration alimony. The award depends on the duration of the marriage, the age of the parties involved, and the earning capacity of each spouse. The purpose is to help one party become financially secure through a support structure within a limited time.
- Rehabilitative alimony: This is a short-term support structure to help the dependent spouse to reach financial stability. This type of alimony is usually used to further one’s education.
- Reimbursement alimony: When the dependent party has set aside their interests for the other, this alimony structure is meant to pay them back for the support they have offered. If one spouse worked while the other was in school, this support structure will reimburse them for the cost of supporting the spouse seeking higher education.
What Factors Are Considered In Determining Alimony?
Many couples navigating the divorce process wonder whether alimony will even play a role in their divorce because often times it is not necessary, especially when both spouses are financially independent of one another. However, the court will take a variety of different factors into consideration when it is necessary to issue a spousal support award. Some of these factors include the following:
- The need and ability of either party to pay
- The length of the marriage
- The age and health of either party
- The standard of living that was established over the course of the marriage
- The earning capacity of either party
- The need for education to advance the earning capacity of either party
- The history of financial contributions made by either party during the marriage
- Tax considerations of an alimony award
Contact A Somerset County Spousal Support Attorney
If you are navigating the divorce process and have questions about alimony, it is important that you have quality legal representation on your side. At Siragusa Law Firm, we have decades of experience proudly representing individuals throughout New Jersey as they face a wide range of legal issues, including spousal support disagreements. To discuss your situation with an attorney you can trust, contact Siragusa Law Firm today, and schedule a consultation.
