Spousal Support Lawyer in Jersey City

Secure the Alimony You're Entitled to in Jersey City

Often, in a marriage, one person is the earner, while the other takes care of the home and children. In the event of a divorce, alimony may be awarded to the spouse who played the role of a homemaker.

If you need a Jersey City alimony attorney, Lori Cieckiewicz, ESQ offers personalized attention to obtain the support you deserve and need to maintain your lifestyle.

Factors Determining Alimony

In New Jersey family law, there are no guidelines for awarding alimony. When alimony is awarded, the amount and duration of the payments depend on many factors, such as:

• The length of the marriage
• Each spouse’s age and health
• The income, earning capacity, education level, and employability of each spouse
• The lifestyle and standard of living during the marriage
• Each spouse's financial contributions to the marriage
• Parental responsibilities and custody
• The need for one spouse to get training or education to gain employment and become self-supporting

There are four types of alimony in New Jersey, including:

• Limited Duration Alimony– This is awarded based on financial need for a certain period of time to allow the receiving spouse to become self-supporting.

• Open Duration Alimony– For any marriage or civil union less than 20 years the total duration shall not exceed the length of the marriage or civil union except in exceptional circumstances.

• Reimbursement Alimony– When a spouse supported another in obtaining advanced education, the spouse may be entitled to this type of alimony.

• Rehabilitative Alimony– This is short term support to compensate a spouse for sacrifice during the marriage intended to allow a spouse to gain training and education needed to become self-supporting. The spouse must submit the steps that will be taken and time frame for the rehabilitation period to the court.

Alimony may be modified or terminated based on changes in circumstances. For example, the time can be extended when a spouse is not able to become self-supporting within the initial time frame. Payments may be terminated in the event that a spouse remarries or enters a civil union for certain types of alimony or if one spouse dies. The payee spouse may be eligible for a review of alimony based on retirement.

If I Quit My Job, Do I Still Have to Pay Alimony?

The idea of paying alimony to your spouse that just divorced is a harsh reality many people must face. It is a common belief that if you quit your job, then you will be free of alimony payments. This is purely a myth and New Jersey courts have created laws to protect those who are receiving those payments.

The court may appoint an expert to evaluate the earning potential and power of an individual who attempts to demote themselves and in return, pay lower alimony.

Keep in mind, intentionally quitting or demoting yourself from a job is not identical to being laid off. If you have been fired, the court will make reasonable adjustments through a modification of orders.

Jersey City Alimony Lawyer: Fair Solutions for Your Future

Divorce should not result in a financial crisis for either spouse. A Jersey City alimony lawyer from our firm will work to help you. Our goal is to ensure that you are able to maintain your lifestyle, as you move forward and rebuild your life. Interested in learning about palimony? Click here to learn more.