Whether you are the financially dependent or the financially independent spouse in your marriage, if you are getting divorced, there is a very good chance that alimony will be a significant issue that needs addressing. Alimony is a critical divorce-related issue, which is why you must proceed with an experienced Morristown alimony lawyer and contact Graves Andrews, LLC today to learn more about how our firm can assist you.
Do I Need a Morristown Alimony Lawyer?
The terms of your alimony agreement will most likely have a significant impact on your financial situation for years to come, regardless of whether you are the payor or payee. Do not risk leaving such critical financial matters to chance with just any attorney; speak with an experienced Morristown family law attorney who can effectively fight for the best outcome possible on your behalf.
Types of Alimony in New Jersey
Here in New Jersey, there is no such thing as “permanent” alimony. Instead, alimony is supposed to be a means of financial support to assist a former spouse until he or she is capable of becoming financially independent. New Jersey courts consider a wide array of factors when determining alimony payments, though the most important factor is almost always the duration of the marriage. There are four primary types of alimony in New Jersey, and they are as follows:
- Open-durational alimony: Open-durational alimony is generally awarded to spouses who were married for over 20 years. Essentially, open-durational alimony calls for regular alimony payments without a predetermined end date. That being said, open-durational alimony agreements can still be modified at any time, should there be a significant or continuing change in either the payor or payee’s financial situation.
- Limited-duration alimony: When spouses are married for a shorter period of time, the courts are more likely to award the financially dependent spouse limited-duration alimony payments, which is essentially an alimony structure with a predetermined end date. Depending on the duration of the marriage and other factors, the courts will allow one spouse to receive limited-duration alimony so they can become financially independent once again.
- Rehabilitative alimony: Rehabilitative alimony is a form of short-term alimony designed to give the financially dependent spouse a chance to pay for schooling/vocational training or otherwise help in the short-term so they can reach financial stability shortly after a divorce.
- Reimbursement alimony: Reimbursement alimony is typically awarded to the spouse who continued working and supporting the couple financially while the other forewent meaningful employment to pursue an advanced degree.
Additional Factors Considered
Courts in New Jersey will consider a multitude of different factors when determining alimony payments, including, though not limited to:
- Both spouses’ age and health
- Both spouses’ yearly salaries or income
- The earning capacity of both spouses
- The standard of living established in the marriage
- Any other factor that the court deems relevant
Contact a Morristown Alimony Lawyer
Alimony is among the most important divorce-related issues, and if you are looking to obtain alimony payments after your divorce, you need an experienced Morristown family law attorney on your side. Our firm is here to help. Contact Graves Andrews, LLC today to schedule your initial consultation with our seasoned legal team.
