Getting a divorce is often stressful, but things can be easier when you know what to expect. You should know all about alimony and how it works in New Jersey.
What is alimony?
Alimony is a type of payment meant to go to a former spouse upon the couple’s divorce. It’s ordered by the court and is sometimes known as “spousal support” if ordered during the legal separation. The party who earns less money is the one who is awarded alimony.
How does alimony work?
The reason alimony is awarded to one spouse during a divorce is so that the person can continue having the financial standard of living they became accustomed to during the marriage. Different factors are considered when the court decides who receives alimony and how much they should receive. Those factors include the length of the marriage, both parties’ current and future earnings and whether one party is the primary caretaker for minor children.
What are the different types of alimony?
Different types of alimony might be awarded depending on where the divorce process stands. Temporary alimony is ordered to be paid to one person while the divorce is pending to cover their everyday expenses. This type of alimony ends after the divorce is final.
Permanent alimony is paid to one spouse monthly until that person remarries or passes away.
Rehabilitative alimony is a type of alimony that’s paid to the spouse who has a lower income to help them get back on their feet to gain an education or vocational training while searching for a job. This alimony ends once the person has gotten a job and is able to self-support financially.
Sometimes, alimony can be paid in one lump sum. It’s often ordered when the receiving spouse doesn’t care to gain any property as part of the divorce settlement.