Alimony, also known as spousal support, can be a difficult issue for spouses to resolve in a divorce. Spouses may have substantially different opinions as to whether alimony payments are necessary. Whether you believe you should receive alimony or you believe will be asked to pay alimony, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible. The Morris County law firm of Maynard & Sumner, LLC, provides strategic counsel in all aspects of divorce, including alimony.
Spousal support is usually considered in conjunction with property division in a divorce. The court is required to consider a number of factors when determining whether spousal support is warranted. These factors include:
- The needs of each person and the ability of one spouse to pay the other
- The length of the marriage
- The age and health of each spouse
- The standard of living maintained during the marriage
- The earning capacity, education and job-related training and skills of each spouse
- The amount of time that the dependent spouse was out of the job market during the marriage
- Parenting roles
- The time and expense necessary for the dependent spouse to become self-supporting
- Origins of marital assets
- The property division award in the divorce
Courts have a great deal of discretion in determining the amount and duration of spousal support payments, or whether alimony is even necessary. Courts also have the ability to order different types of alimony. For example, courts can award alimony on a permanent basis or for a limited duration. Courts may also award rehabilitative alimony or reimbursement alimony. Each of these types of alimony serves a different purpose. For example, rehabilitative alimony is appropriate to help a spouse with few marketable skills to become self-sufficient. Reimbursement alimony could be appropriate if one spouse made sacrifices to enable the other spouse to pursue a professional degree.
You can rely on our New Jersey alimony lawyers to represent your best interests at every point in the legal process. We will persuasively advocate for you in negotiations and, when necessary, litigation.
Essex County, Sussex · Spousal Maintenance Attorney
We offer a free consultation to discuss the issues in your divorce. Contact us online or call 973-540-0054 today to schedule your consultation.
