According to a recent study, New Jersey ranks number seven on a top 10 list of states for raising a family. New Jersey households typically earn a higher median salary than most families across the country, as reported by NJ 101.5 News. Health care, child care and educational expenses, however, tend to be higher in the Garden State than the nation’s average.
Most households generally require income from two earners to maintain a comfortable standard of living. When one spouse decides that it is time for a divorce, he or she may need to plan on financial support to help meet the family’s requirements. Becoming a single-income household may present challenges when a divorcee attempts to sustain the same lifestyle that a double-income family has enjoyed.
Requesting spousal and child support
Divorce sometimes requires moving to a new home that fits within a new single-income household budget. To remain in a family’s existing home generally requires that a spouse can afford to maintain it on his or her own individual income.
New Jersey is not a community property state. This means that judges will divide property acquired during a marriage based on what they determine to be fair, rather than a 50/50 split. If a spouse cannot afford a home’s upkeep alone, the divorce procedure may require an order for financial support.
A New Jersey family court judge may determine the amount of alimony or spousal support based on each individual’s education, income and career expectations. The court could require an ex-spouse who demonstrates that he or she earns enough to provide alimony to pay a reasonable amount each month.
Determining child support, however, takes into consideration the requirements of each child. A judge may order an ex-spouse to provide regular support for a child’s education, medical care and extracurricular activities.
Maintaining a secure lifestyle
Keeping strong family bonds after a divorce generally requires maintaining equilibrium between children and both of the parents. Remaining in the same home, attending the same schools and continuing on a familiar path may help children to better cope with a life-changing event.
