One of the most important but contentious aspects of a divorce is alimony. New Jersey recognizes different types of alimony that are intended to mitigate the financial hardship a lower-earning spouse experiences during and after a divorce. To learn more and secure skilled representation, reach out to an experienced Bergen County alimony lawyer today.
What is Alimony?
Alimony, also referred to as spousal support or maintenance, is a type of financial support that one spouse may receive from the other during and after a divorce. When two people are married, especially for a long time, one often makes significantly more money than the other. This is especially true when one spouse sacrifices their career to stay home, raise children, or support the other.
Alimony is designed to prevent one spouse from experiencing significant financial hardship once the relationship has come to an end. It allows the lower-earning spouse to afford necessities and maintain a lifestyle similar to the one that they have been accustomed to throughout the marriage.
Are There Different Types of Alimony in NJ?
Yes, there are several different types of alimony that can be awarded during and/or after a divorce in New Jersey. The laws regarding spousal support are outlined in N.J.R.S. 2A:34-23. You can be awarded one or more of the following types of alimony in your New Jersey divorce.
- Pendente lite: Pendente lite is a type of spousal support that is ordered by the court during the separation or divorce process. It only lasts until the final divorce decree is signed and is designed to allow the lower-earning spouse to maintain their standard of living and afford legal counsel during the process. Once the divorce is finalized, pendente lite is terminated.
- Open durational: Open durational alimony was formerly known as permanent alimony and does not come with an end date. This type of support is granted when the couple has been married for at least 20 years and it is unlikely that the lower-earning spouse will ever become financially independent.
- Rehabilitative: This type of alimony is designed to financially support a lower-earning spouse while they re-enter the job market. It helps them stay afloat while they seek education, training, and other prospects to become financially independent.
- Limited duration: Limited duration alimony is short-term, and the duration of the support cannot exceed the length of the marriage. It is financial support that helps the recipient become self-supporting and has a set end date.
- Reimbursement: This type of spousal support is repayment for contributions that one spouse made to the other’s career or education. Contributions can include paying for the other’s higher education, giving up their job to raise children or care for the household, or any other sacrifice that was made. Reimbursement alimony pays the spouse back for these contributions.
New Jersey law recognizes various forms of alimony to ensure that there is a type that applies to each unique situation.
