New Jersey divorce court judges generally do not award an ex-spouse lifelong or permanent spousal support. If one ex-spouse earns more money than the other, the court may order the higher-income earner to pay alimony, but only for a predetermined time.
As described by NJ.com, the amount of spousal support awarded could reflect an individual’s potential for generating income within a single-earner household. If an ex-spouse cannot support a lifestyle comparable to the previous marital standard of living, the court may order alimony.
A spouse may receive financial support to assist in a return to work
In cases involving a nonworking or underemployed spouse, the court could consider an individual’s education and work experience when deciding on support payments. In some cases, spouses may have left a high-paying job during a marriage to raise a family or to help run a spouse’s business.
Reentering the job market may require updated training or coursework to refresh a newly divorced individual’s employable skills. A temporary award of spousal support could provide financial assistance to help an ex-spouse obtain employment. The temporary assistance may determine whether an individual obtains a position suited to a single-earner household.
Payments may end with a new marriage or retirement
Individuals in long-term marriages may have concerns over their ex-spouses becoming reliant on spousal support. The divorce decree could, however, include language outlining modifications to alimony payments if an ex-spouse remarries or begins receiving retirement income.
The Garden State’s judges may review the length of each couple’s marriage to create an appropriate spousal support plan. During a divorce, spouses provide information about their monthly income and expenses. If you require keeping certain items or receiving more support, your marital assets and other economic factors could help you negotiate a payment schedule that meets your needs.
