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What New Jersey considers when awarding alimony

On Behalf of | Aug 12, 2020 | Divorce

Unless you were the main breadwinner in your relationship, you may have cause to seek alimony when your New Jersey marriage comes to an end. You may feel particularly inclined to do so if you sacrificed your own career or education for the sake of your spouse’s, or if you did so to devote more time to child-rearing and providing for your family.

Regardless of your reasoning for desiring spousal support, the state examines similar areas when determining whether to grant it to you.

Alimony considerations

In deciding whether to award you alimony, the state may consider the earning potential of you and your former partner as well as your actual need for spousal support. When assessing your earning potential, your age, health, professional skills and level of education may come into play. So, too, might the amount of time you have spent out of the working world.

How much time each of you devoted to the family and raising any children you share may also help determine whether you receive alimony. The standard of living you have come to enjoy is also a frequent determining factor. Every marriage is different, so any number of other factors may also undergo consideration.

Alimony amounts

If the state does decide to award you alimony in your divorce, how much should you expect to receive? Unlike child support, there is no cut-and-dry formula used to determine how much alimony you should receive. However, courts often try to give you an amount that enables you to continue to live the lifestyle to which you have already become accustomed.