Somerset County Alimony Lawyers

Somerset, New Jersey Alimony Lawyers: Here to Secure Your Future

Alimony plays a critical role in helping spouses maintain the standard of living they enjoyed during their marriage. However, it’s important to have a team of knowledgeable Somerset County family lawyers in your corner who can help effectively resolve any alimony-related dispute and ensure a reasonable agreement is made. Fortunately, if you’re reading this, you’ve come to the right place.

Types of Alimony in New Jersey

In New Jersey, “permanent alimony” no longer exists. That said, there are several different types of alimony available, including the following:

• Open Durational Alimony: Previously known as "permanent alimony," this type is awarded in long-term marriages of over 20 years. It does not have a fixed end date but may be modified based on significant changes in circumstances.
• Limited Duration Alimony: For marriages shorter than 20 years, the duration of alimony payments cannot exceed the length of the marriage unless exceptional circumstances exist.
• Rehabilitative Alimony: Intended to support a spouse in becoming self-sufficient, this alimony provides funding for the training or education necessary for the spouse to re-enter the workforce or advance their career.
• Reimbursement Alimony: Awarded to reimburse a spouse who supported the other through an advanced education during the marriage, anticipating a return on the investment through higher family income.

Factors Determining Alimony in New Jersey

New Jersey courts consider a comprehensive list of factors when determining an alimony agreement, including the following:

• The actual need and ability of the parties to pay.
• The duration of the marriage.
• The age, physical, and emotional health of the parties.
• The standard of living established in the marriage and the likelihood that each party can maintain a reasonably comparable standard of living.
• The earning capacities, educational levels, vocational skills, and employability of the parties.
• The length of absence from the job market of the party seeking alimony.
• Parental responsibilities for the children.
• The time and expense necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the party seeking alimony to find appropriate employment.

Modifying Alimony

Alimony orders are not necessarily set in stone and can be modified under certain conditions. Some of the factors that may warrant a modification of alimony are as follows:

• A significant change in financial circumstances of either party (such as job loss, substantial increase or decrease in income).
• Changes in the cost of living.
• Illness, disability, or infirmity arising after the original order.
• The recipient's cohabitation with another person in a relationship akin to marriage that affects the financial need for alimony.
• The payer reaching the full retirement age, unless exceptional circumstances are present.

Contact Our New Jersey Alimony Lawyers Today

For those facing divorce, the road can seem long and daunting. Ensure your rights and interests are protected and will result in reasonable and agreeable terms for both you and your spouse. Contact the New Jersey alimony lawyers at the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC today. We are here to effectively represent you, every step of the way.