Process of Alimony Payments in New Jersey
At an initial alimony meeting, an attorney will generally review their tax returns and all schedules. Your lawyer will likely want to see your W2’s, paystubs, and any other key information. It will also be necessary to fill out a case information statement to create an accurate snapshot of a person’s financial situation. If you are getting divorced and you believe that some form of spousal support will be involved in this marital dissolution, an attorney may be a key ally in helping you protect your rights through the process of alimony payments in New Jersey.
The Length of the Alimony Process
The length of the process for determining alimony varies based on the situation. It is primarily dependent on when the parties are able to reconcile or settle. If a case is able to stay out of court, it may take less time to start the payments. Most divorce cases are settled outside of court and alimony is often settled much in the same way.
If a party is aware that their spousal support payment is going to go through the state probation department, then they must inform their employer of potential wage garnishment. If the payments need to go through the probation department or these other processes, the time to determine support may be longer.
Actions to Avoid when Navigating the Alimony Process
Anybody in New Jersey going through the process of alimony payments should avoid making statements about not having money if their lifestyle could be interpreted to be contrary to that statement. This could show the court that they do have the means to pay more than they allege they can. Likewise, if a person is asking for additional spousal support but they are living a lavish lifestyle, it may raise questions about the legitimacy of their need.
People should also be aware of the potential misconceptions they have about alimony. It is a common belief that alimony is exclusively paid from a husband to a wife, but in reality, alimony is simply a payment from one ex-spouse with greater financial means to the other.
An Attorney Could Guide You Through the New Jersey Alimony Process
An attorney could be your personal representative through the process of alimony payments in New Jersey. Whether you expect to owe spousal support to your ex, or you believe that your ex must pay to maintain the quality of life you had during marriage, a local lawyer could be of assistance.
There are many ways that the alimony process is complicated, and if you are unfamiliar with that process, it is easy to make errors that could have permanent ramifications. If full and fair disclosure is not given, the alimony agreement may not be enforceable, potentially requiring you to go back to court to assert your rights.
To learn more and to begin working on your case, call an experienced legal team right away and schedule an initial case consultation. The sooner you call, the sooner you can begin working towards the outcome you want.
