Union County Spousal Support Lawyer
After a divorce, one of the many concerns former couples often have is how they will carry on financially. If you are currently in the process of getting a divorce, alimony is likely a significant issue in your negotiations. Whether you are the person who must pay or the person who would be receiving payments, neither party wishes to be left struggling financially after a marriage ends.
If you wish to ensure that you are protecting your needs and best interests, it may be a good idea to contact a Union County spousal support lawyer. A knowledgeable family attorney could help you with these issues and fight to ensure that your alimony agreement is fair and equitable.
Understanding Alimony in Union County
While it may feel like punishment to the spouse responsible for making payments, spousal support is meant to balance out both parties so that they can live as they did during the marriage. Spousal support payments could be paid during a separation, during an ongoing divorce, or after the final divorce decree. In New Jersey, spousal support is also allowed after the dissolution of a civil union.
Depending on the circumstances, the paying spouse may end up paying spousal support for a limited or an unlimited duration. A judge may order a limited duration of spousal support while the receiving spouse makes efforts to re-enter the workforce, obtain a new skill, or until there is a change in their circumstances so that they no longer need the support.
Conversely, if the court believes that the dependent spouse would not be able to support themselves at any point, the alimony they receive could become permanent and may only end at remarriage or death. A Union County spousal support lawyer could work with an individual spouse to review their potential options and pursue the arrangement appropriate for their circumstances.
How is Alimony Calculated?
There is no specific formula for calculating spousal support in New Jersey. While state law provides general guidelines for doing so, the final payment award mainly comes down to circumstances and negotiations. This is one of the reasons why spousal support negotiations can become so contentious.
There are certain factors that courts typically consider when making decisions on spousal support payments, including:
- The age and health of the spouses
- Vocational factors and earning capacity
- Parental responsibilities
- Income
- The length of the marriage or civil union
- The length of time out of the workforce of the spouse seeking the spousal maintenance
- The standard of living during the marriage
It should be noted that since most of these factors do not necessarily imply a specific dollar amount, they may become difficult to resolve. As such, it may be important to consult with a well-practiced Union County lawyer when dealing with spousal support cases.
Talk to a Union County Spousal Support Attorney
Spousal support is an issue that could affect your life and finances long after your divorce or legal separation has been finalized. A Union County spousal support lawyer could offer advice regarding your unique circumstances and work to protect your rights so that you are treated fairly during this stressful process. If you wish to learn more about your potential options, call today for more information.