Union County Alimony Lawyer
In New Jersey, alimony—or spousal support—refers to the financial maintenance and support of a spouse during and/or after a final divorce settlement. It is designed to help a spouse perpetuate the same standard of living that they had throughout the duration of the marriage.
Typically, marital agreements are made before or during a marriage address the issue of alimony. The existence of such an agreement does not automatically mean the agreement is valid, nor does having one mean that hiring a family attorney to help enforce it is not still a good idea. An experienced Union County alimony lawyer could help you negotiate your or your partner’s spousal support obligations. Reach out to a well-practiced family attorney for help creating on an agreement that fits your case.
Determining an Alimony Award in Union County
Each state has its own rules and regulations when it comes to matters concerning divorce and alimony. For its part, New Jersey Revised Statutes §2A:34-23 directs courts to consider a number of factors when determining an award of alimony. This could include:
- The duration of the marriage
- Each spouse’s potential earning capacity
- The educational and skill level of each spouse
- Potential tax consequences of alimony for both spouses
- Financial contributions throughout the marriage by each partner
There are several other factors that the courts may use when determining an alimony agreement. Contrary to some other states, there is no specific formula for determining alimony awards in New Jersey. This underscores the potentially key role a local alimony attorney could play in advocating for a person’s rights during negotiations.
Types of Alimony
Contingent upon the circumstances, alimony may be granted for only a short time, a specific longer period, until the recipient marries or cohabitates with someone else, or in perpetuity. Pendente lite is also referred to as temporary alimony and includes payment for daily expenses, divorce expenses, and more. If granted, this type of alimony terminates upon the finalization of a divorce.
Once a Union County divorce concludes, spousal support may be awarded for either a limited or open duration. Limited durational alimony is awarded when the duration of marriage is less than 20 years old, and payments do not last longer than the marriage itself except under certain circumstances. Open durational alimony could be warranted if the union lasted a minimum of 20 years or if one partner is permanently disabled or financially dependent.
An alimony lawyer in Union County could also help address more specific financial support needs. Rehabilitative alimony is awarded to help a dependent spouse become self-sufficient and includes payment for educational training to help them become more competitive in the job market. Reimbursement alimony is meant to make up for any financial contributions a higher-earning spouse made on behalf of their partner through a lump sum support payment or through incremental payments over time.
How a Union County Alimony Attorney Could Help
Alimony could have a significant impact on your financial well-being, which may impact many other areas of your life and livelihood. It is extremely important to approach alimony with a solid understanding of the laws governing it, and the role those laws may play in your divorce based on your unique circumstances.
Working with an experienced attorney could help you protect your interests and advocate for a fair agreement. If you have concerns over how alimony might impact you, contact a dedicated Union County alimony lawyer today to schedule a consultation.
