Some New Jersey couples find that their marriage cannot last. After the divorce is final, one spouse may be ordered to pay alimony to the other. This is how to know if you qualify for this type of support.
Understanding alimony
Alimony is payment ordered by the court to be made during or after a divorce. Depending on the financial situation of both parties, the judge might order one former spouse to make payments to the other for a fixed period of time. The purpose of alimony is to help equally divide the finances of a divorcing couple; the judge will assess the circumstances and determine whether one spouse is found to be in need of such payments.
In many cases, alimony is awarded to one former spouse when the marriage lasted many years. The court may not be open to the idea of alimony if the couple was married for a short period of time such as a year.
How alimony amounts are determined
A variety of factors can determine the monetary amount of alimony one former spouse should pay to the other after a divorce. The length of the marriage is one of the major ones. The court also takes into consideration the age, physical and emotional condition and financial situations of both parties.
Both parties’ standard of living enjoyed during the marriage is another big factor considered by the court. The judge will also assess whether the former spouse with less money needs further education or training to become self-sufficient.
When alimony is awarded, it can be done so in regular monthly payments or one lump sum. Property transfer is also an option for alimony awards. Some people prefer the lump sum option because it gives them all the money upfront and cannot be changed.