Bergen County Alimony Lawyers

If you are going through a divorce in New Jersey, you may be entitled to alimony, also known as spousal support. The purpose of alimony is to financially assist the lower wage earner once the higher wage earner is no longer providing support as they did during marriage. That said, it’s important to understand who qualifies for alimony in New Jersey and how long spouses may be required to pay it. Continue reading and contact the skilled Bergen County alimony lawyers at Feitlin, Youngman, Karas & Gerson, LLC to learn more.

Alimony Lawyers Serving Northern New Jersey

If you believe you are entitled to alimony or have been asked to pay alimony, having a team of skilled Bergen County family lawyers on your side is critical. Here at Feitlin, Youngman, Karas & Gerson, LLC, we have decades of experience representing clients facing divorce and other family law matters, and we stand ready to put that experience to work for you as well.

What Are the Types of Alimony in New Jersey?

New Jersey recognizes several different types of alimony, each designed to address the unique financial needs of divorcing spouses. These include:

• Open Durational Alimony: Typically awarded in marriages lasting more than 20 years, open durational alimony is indefinite, ending only when a significant change in circumstances occurs (such as retirement, disability, or remarriage of the receiving spouse).
• Limited Duration Alimony: Awarded for a fixed period, this type of alimony is common in shorter marriages. It allows the receiving spouse time to become self-sufficient while not obligating the paying spouse indefinitely.
• Rehabilitative Alimony: This type of support is intended to help a spouse acquire the education or training necessary to become financially independent. The spouse receiving rehabilitative alimony is generally expected to follow a specific plan for improving their financial circumstances.
• Reimbursement Alimony: Reimbursement alimony compensates one spouse for significant contributions, such as paying for the other spouse’s education or career advancement, which benefited the marriage. It is typically awarded in cases where one spouse supported the other’s educational or professional development during the marriage.

Each type of alimony serves a different purpose, and which one may apply to your case depends on the length of your marriage, the financial situation of both parties, and other factors. An experienced New Jersey family lawyer can help you understand which form of alimony may apply to your situation.

How Do Courts Determine Alimony in NJ?

In New Jersey, the court considers several key factors when deciding whether to award alimony and, if so, how much and for how long. These factors include the following:

• The Length of the Marriage: Generally, the longer the marriage, the more likely it is that one spouse will be awarded alimony, particularly in cases where there is a significant income disparity.
• The Needs and Financial Means of Each Spouse: Courts carefully assess both spouses’ financial resources, including their income, earning capacity, and assets. The goal is to ensure that neither spouse is left at a significant financial disadvantage after the divorce.
• Age and Health of Both Parties: The physical and emotional health of each spouse plays a crucial role in determining alimony. Older spouses or those facing health issues may require greater financial support.
• Standard of Living During the Marriage: The court aims to maintain, as much as possible, the standard of living established during the marriage for both parties, recognizing that some adjustments will likely be necessary post-divorce.
• Contributions to the Marriage: Non-economic contributions, such as being a homemaker or primary caregiver for children, are taken into account, as they can impact a spouse’s ability to be financially independent.
• Parental Responsibilities: If there are children involved, the court may consider each spouse’s role in childcare and whether one parent has a greater need for support due to parenting responsibilities.

Can I Ever Modify Alimony?

Yes, in New Jersey, alimony can be modified under certain circumstances. However, you must demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances since the original alimony order was established. Importantly, this isn’t always straightforward and can be more challenging than you expect. For this reason, if you’re seeking an alimony modification, it’s imperative you have a seasoned team of lawyers in your corner.

Contact Our Glen Rock, NJ Alimony Lawyers

Whether you’re being asked to pay alimony or are looking to receive it, you can depend on the lawyers here at Feitlin, Youngman, Karas & Gerson, LLC to effectively represent your interests, every step of the way. Contact us today so we can get started working on your case.