Being some of the best divorce lawyers in NJ, we often get questions about alimony. It is understandable, too, because whether you are the one to pay or the one to receive the alimony, you want to make sure that you get the fairest settlement possible.
In this article, the lawyers at Bruno and Ferraro will answer some of the most common questions we get about alimony:
What Is Alimony?
Alimony, or spousal support as it is also called, is the financial support a former spouse provides to the other. There are many factors that contribute to the decision made as to whether or not a spouse should receive alimony. Those factors include how long the couple has been married, the financial needs and capabilities of both parties, and how long they have been separated.
If you can’t agree with your former spouse, the court will then decide whether or not you will get alimony.
How Is the Amount calculated?
Unlike other areas, there is no specific formula used to calculate the amount of alimony you or your partner may receive. Here, there are a few factors to be considered. Because the law is not as simple as one might think, it’s advisable that you get legal advice from a reputable lawyer if you think there’s going to be an issue with your alimony.
Are There Five Types of Alimony in New Jersey?
Yes, and it is highly possible that one or a combination of these would be awarded to you:
- Pendent life – this is the alimony that you’ll get as you wait for the result of your divorce. The spouse who was dependent financially will receive this.
- Limited duration – this is given to the spouse who is in need of financial support until they become self-sufficient. This can be used to get a degree so that they can have a career after and eventually not need alimony anymore.
- Rehabilitative – this is again given to the financially dependent party who needs financial assistance for their specialized training or education so that they can be financially independent. The spouse to receive this should be able to present the court with a concrete plan of how they want to achieve financial independence.
- Reimbursement – as the name suggests, this is given to a spouse as reimbursement for something they paid for. If the wife paid for their husband’s education throughout college, for instance, then the former wife will get reimbursement for the amount she spent on that.
- Permanent – contrary to what some might think, this type of alimony is not so common because it is only given to a long-term spouse where one became totally financially dependent. While it doesn’t necessarily mean it will be given forever, it is meant to last as long as the financially-dependent spouse can prove they won’t be able to survive without the alimony.
Conclusion
Alimony is a complicated matter that needs to be discussed with care. Because of this, you must not agree to anything without consulting it first with a lawyer, especially if you think you are going to need this financial support for a while or until you get back on your feet. To make sure that you’re going to get a fair agreement, you need to have one of the top divorce lawyers in NJ on your side!
If you are filing for divorce in Bergen County, NJ, and you have questions about alimony and other topics related to your separation from your spouse, Bruno and Ferraro are here for you. Our experienced divorce attorneys can help you through the entire process and give you the best legal representation possible. Contact us today to know how we can help you!