Freehold & Metuchin Child Support and Alimony Attorneys
Despite what some amateurs say…There is no “alimony calculation” in New Jersey.
Hire a professional who knows better.
In New Jersey, alimony, child support, and division of property are all considered part of a “unitary scheme” for establishing an equitable division of the spouses’ assets and income in a divorce. If you are considering filing for divorce (or, if you are expecting your spouse to file), it is critical to gain a thorough understanding of your assets and overall financial situation. This will allow you to know what you reasonably expect – whether through settlement or court order – once your marriage has been dissolved. If your spouse has already filed, you should act quickly to inventory your property in order to help ensure that you receive an equitable distribution.
At Romanowski Law Offices, we provide thorough and knowledgeable representation for clients in New Jersey divorces. We have decades of experience as advocates in contested divorces and regularly assist clients in resolving their divorces through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods. Attorney Curtis Romanowski also serves as a neutral mediator. If you are seeking to end an opposite-sex or same-sex marriage in New Jersey, we can help you get through the process with a fair result so that you can move on to the next stage of your life.
Alimony in New Jersey
With the Alimony Reform Act of 2014, New Jersey no longer recognizes the concept of “permanent alimony.” This has been replaced with “open durational alimony,” which provides support for as long as necessary to allow the supported spouse to become self-sufficient. New Jersey law also provides for rehabilitative, limited-duration, and reimbursement alimony, each of which may be on the table depending on a number of different factors relating to your marriage and divorce.
As with all other matters relating to your divorce, alimony can be established by agreement or by court order.
Factors for Determining Alimony
If your alimony dispute goes to court, the judge will consider the following factors (among others) in determining the type and amount of spousal support to be awarded:
- The parties’ actual need and ability to pay
- The duration of the marriage or civil union
- The parties’ respective ages and physical and emotional health
- The standard of living established during the marriage or civil union
- The likelihood that each party can maintain a reasonably comparable standard of living following their divorce
- The spouses’ respective earning capacities, educational levels, vocational skills, and employability
- The parents’ respective custody and visitation rights
- Each party’s financial and non-financial contributions to the marriage or civil union, including contributions to the care and education of the children and interruption of personal careers or educational opportunities
- The equitable distribution of marital property and any payments on equitable distribution
- Access to investment income
- The tax consequences of any alimony award for both parties
In addition to these factors, the courts in New Jersey will consider whether it is necessary for the supported spouse to accumulate savings in order to be prepared for changed circumstances. In limited circumstances, the courts may also consider certain forms of marital “fault” in deciding whether and to what extent an award of alimony is justified.
Preparing for Alimony Disputes
If you expect your divorce to involve alimony, it is important that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible. There may be steps you can take now to improve your chances of receiving alimony or to reduce your alimony burden. At Romanowski Law Offices, we can help you thoroughly assess your situation and develop a strategy for ensuring that you achieve a just outcome in your divorce.
Modification of Alimony Awards
In addition to helping spouses establish or oppose alimony during a divorce, we also represent individuals seeking to modify existing alimony awards. Courts only allow for modifications upon a showing of relevant “changed circumstances.” We have significant experience representing clients in modification proceedings in the New Jersey courts, and can help you develop a strong case for modifying your current alimony.
Lawyers for Child Support Matters in New Jersey
While alimony compensates a former spouse for his or her contributions and sacrifices made during their marriage, child support ensures that both parents retain financial responsibility for their children’s health, education, and upbringing following a divorce. Of course, unmarried parents can seek child support as well. Along with pursuing alimony and equitable division of property, we work closely with our clients to develop legally and economically sound arguments for appropriate child support obligations in litigation, Collaborative Divorces, and other forms of ADR.
Contact Us for an Expert Consultation
Our attorneys can help you establish appropriate alimony and child support obligations or modify your existing awards. We work with both opposite-sex and same-sex couples, and we have a national reputation for effective advocacy in family law matters. To schedule an expert initial consultation, call (732) 603-8585 or contact Romanowski Law Offices online today.