27 May How can I calculate alimony payments in New Jersey?
Currently there are no specific alimony calculators or guidelines for the state of New Jersey. Instead, alimony payments are determined on case-by-case factors.
These factors may include:
- The actual needs of the recipient spouse and the alternate spouse’s ability to pay
- Both the monetary and non-financial contributions each spouse has made to the marriage
- The duration of the marriage and the standard of living during marriage
- The age and physical/emotional health of each spouse
- The income, earning capacity, education level, and employability of each spouse
- The time and expense of obtaining educational or workforce training necessary for the dependent spouse to become self-supporting
- Parental responsibilities
Alimony payments can also be affected by significant changes to a spouse’s material circumstances due to a down economy.
In consideration of those factors, 5 different types of alimony can be awarded in New Jersey:
- Temporary Alimony – awarded to low-earning or unemployed spouses to help cover living expenses during divorce proceedings
- Limited Duration Alimony – based on financial need, for the duration of time required by a dependent spouse to become self-supporting
- Permanent Alimony – entitlement occurs after a long marriage in which case a spouse opted to forgo career or education opportunities in order to care for the entire family, or to further the education or career of the alternate spouse.
- Rehabilitative Alimony – intended to help a spouse in need of training and/or education to become independent and self-supporting.
- Reimbursement Alimony – compensation to a spouse who supported the advanced education of the alternate spouse with the expectation of a mutual benefit,
Each of these types of alimony can be awarded in a variety of combinations depending on the circumstances of the marriage and divorce. Jeffrey M. Bloom is familiar with the intricacies of New Jersey’s alimony laws.
To get a better idea of how your divorce case will affect the type of alimony payments you may be entitled or how much alimony you may be required to pay, contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey M. Bloom to schedule a consultation with our experienced divorce lawyer.
