Experienced Essex County Alimony Lawyers

Alimony is an ever-changing area of law. Its primary function is to assist the dependent spouse until they can manage a more financially independent situation. Determining the amount and length of support depends on various factors and can be a very complex process. At Cipriano Law Offices, P.C., in West Caldwell, our attorneys have decades of experience helping a wide variety of spouses navigate their alimony agreement or modify or enforce court orders.

Alimony can be permanent, temporary, rehabilitative or a lump sum resolution. Your individual needs will dictate which type of alimony is best for you and your former spouse. If both parties are amicable, spousal support may be mediated as well. Regardless of the route you choose, our dedicated lawyers understand your goals and your needs for the future. We operate in a practical, straightforward manner when working with our clients. We know how emotional and complicated a divorce can be, and we are determined to help you obtain an outcome that serves your best interests and promotes a brighter future for you and your children.

Types Of Alimony Available In New Jersey

The goal of alimony is to balance the inequities in the parties’ earning capacity and to allow the lower-earning spouse to maintain the standard of living that was enjoyed during the marriage. There are several types of alimony, including:

• Permanent alimony: Also called open durational alimony, this support continues indefinitely. Courts typically award it after long marriages (20 or more years) when one spouse has limited earning capacity or can’t become financially independent.
• Limited-duration alimony: This temporary support helps during your transition to financial independence. The court sets a specific end date based on how long you were married and how long you’ll need to become self-supporting.
• Lump-sum alimony: Instead of monthly payments, you receive one large payment or several installments. This option may be used when the paying spouse has significant assets but limited ongoing income or both parties want to avoid long-term financial ties.
• Reimbursement alimony: This type repays you for supporting your spouse’s advanced education or career development. For example, if you worked to put your spouse through medical school, you might receive reimbursement for those costs.
• Rehabilitative alimony: These payments help you gain job skills or education to become self-supporting. You’ll need a specific plan showing your goals, timeline, and expected costs for training or education.

Many factors are considered when determining if alimony is appropriate. The family law attorneys at Cipriano Law Offices, P.C., are experienced, financially savvy and understand how to calculate alimony appropriately.

Factors Considered For New Jersey Alimony

Understanding how courts determine alimony can help you prepare for your financial future when you’re going through a divorce. New Jersey courts evaluate several factors when making these important decisions. These include:

• Length of marriage: Courts typically limit the duration of alimony to match how long you were married, except in rare cases.
• Financial circumstances: The court looks at both spouses’ income, expenses and ability to earn a living.
• Health: Physical or mental health conditions affecting either spouse’s ability to work can play a vital role.
• Age: Your age and your spouse’s age matter, particularly when retirement is approaching.
• Contributions to the marriage: The court values nonfinancial support, such as raising children, maintaining the home or helping advance your spouse’s career.
• Tax implications: How alimony payments affect both parties’ tax situations shapes the final amount.
• Cohabitation: Living with a new partner could reduce or end alimony payments if they provide financial support.

Our experienced lawyers can help you understand how these factors apply to your situation.

What Disqualifies You From Alimony In New Jersey?

Several circumstances can disqualify you from receiving alimony. If you committed a serious crime against your spouse or children, you likely won’t receive support. Additionally, proof of adultery may affect alimony, though courts consider multiple factors.

A prenuptial agreement might also prevent alimony claims. With some exceptions, alimony automatically ends upon remarriage, and cohabitation with a new partner often leads to termination or reduction of payments.

How Long Does Alimony Last In New Jersey?

Alimony duration typically relates to how long you were married. For marriages of less than 20 years, alimony usually can’t exceed the length of the marriage. Long-term marriages of 20 years or more may result in open durational alimony.

Common options include temporary alimony during divorce proceedings, rehabilitative alimony for job training and limited-duration alimony for specific time frames. Payments generally end if the receiving spouse remarries or either spouse dies.

Contact Cipriano Law Offices, P.C.

To learn more about our northern New Jersey alimony attorneys, you may email us or call us at 973-852-3346 to schedule an initial consultation.