While there are many topics to negotiate in a divorce settlement, alimony may be one of the most complicated. Alimony is designed to help you regain a financial foothold after getting a divorce, especially if you are financially dependent on your spouse. The unique circumstances of your case will help determine which type of alimony you qualify for in your particular situation. Whether you are filing for divorce or your spouse recently filed, it is critical to understand how alimony works, as well as the types of alimony that are available in New Jersey.
What are your options?
According to MyDomaine, there are several types of alimony. Temporary alimony, or pendente lite, is awarded if you need financial help until the divorce is finalized. In some cases, it can take years to negotiate the terms of a heated divorce, and temporary alimony can help during this time.
Rehabilitative alimony is granted if you need financial assistance to help get you back on your feet after the divorce is finalized. This can help if you need to help getting a job or learning to support yourself. Limited durational alimony, on the other hand, is paid out for a certain period of time, and has a beginning and end date.
Reimbursement spousal support is given if one spouse helped to support the other through their education or training, and did not receive any benefits from it. Permanent alimony is paid out with no determined ending date. It is not, however, paid out indefinitely. If you get remarried, or a spouse passes away, the alimony may be terminated.
What type is right for you?
The court will award alimony depending on your specific situation. This includes looking at the following:
- Length of marriage
- Need for financial support
- Age, mental and physical health
- Occupation, ability to get a job and earn a wage
- Standard of living during the marriage
- Parental responsibilities
The judge may also look at how much time it would take to achieve financial independence.
