If you are facing divorce in New Jersey, you’re probably asking yourself, “Do I need to pay alimony?” In the state of New Jersey, if you have been the primary financial provider for your spouse and/or family, then it is very possible and likely that you will be ordered to pay alimony as part of your divorce proceedings.
Spousal Support in N.J.
Call it alimony or spousal support, the effect of alimony remains the same. Thoughts of paying a mortgage, saving for retirement and the cost of everyday living just took a new tone and navigating New Jersey alimony law can be difficult, to say the least.
To determine if you will have to pay alimony, consider these questions:
- What was the standard of living set during the marriage?
- How were your financial burdens allocated?
- What is your ability to pay and what is your spouse’s ability to pay?
- Has your spouse been out of the workforce for a long period of time or is your spouse undereducated?
- How long were you married?
- How are your parental responsibilities divided?
- What are the financial needs of your spouse? What are your financial needs?
- Are there any physical or emotional health limitations?
- How did you and your spouse contribute financially and non-financially to the marriage?
All of these questions will need to be answered during your mediation or divorce proceedings and each will factor into an award of alimony. Because New Jersey does not have a specific formula for determining alimony payments, your answers to these questions will serve as guidelines for arriving at an alimony award. Although quite arguable by some, the purpose of alimony is not to unjustly penalize one party or another, but to strike a balance between the two parties involved.
To truly determine if you will need to pay alimony, speak with an attorney who specializes in New Jersey family law or divorce law, as New Jersey alimony laws are constantly changing and continually being challenged. In fact, there are several organizations who are petitioning to modify or repeal New Jersey alimony altogether. Having a qualified attorney on your side that recognizes and understands the continual developments and shifts in alimony law will work to your benefit. Contact our New Jersey Alimony Lawyers today to get the answers to your questions.
