SPOUSAL SUPPORT IN NEW JERSEY: WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
Spousal support, sometime called alimony, may be ordered in New Jersey divorces in certain situations. An order for spousal support is not guaranteed, so you should consider consulting with the Woodbury family lawyers from Craig Annin & Baxter if you believe spousal support is needed. What factors are considered in determining whether to order spousal support? The purpose of spousal support is to help a spouse to become self-sufficient and provide for their own reasonable needs. In order to receive spousal support, the court will consider several factors. This includes:
- The needs of each party
- The resources available to each party
- The ability of each party to pay for their own reasonable needs
- The duration of the marriage
- The age and health of the parties
- The standard of living enjoyed during the marriage
- The education, vocational history and earning capacity of each party
- The custody responsibilities of the parents
- The time needed for the dependent spouse to become self sufficient
- Tax consequences to each party
- The fault of the parties
The law is somewhat vague with respect to how spousal support is to be determined and analyzed. The court may consider any factor that it deems as relevant to the assessment. How much support may be ordered? If spousal support is ordered, the amount to be paid varies in each situation. After considering the above-referenced factors, the court will determine how much is to be paid and for what duration of time. After a support order is entered, it may be modified or terminated if circumstances change. Spousal support is complicated and involves a variety of issues. To assist you with pursuing or challenging spousal support issues, contact Craig Annin & Baxter to speak with one of our Woodbury family lawyers.
How to handle the mortgage in a New Jersey divorce
When you and your New Jersey spouse take out a mortgage together, both of you maintain responsibility for that mortgage even if you divorce, unless you make other arrangements. Even if your divorce decree dictates that only you or only your ex has to pay the mortgage,...
Divorcing with pets: who gets custody of the dog?
When you acquire a dog during your marriage, the pup becomes part of the family. You and your spouse may consider your pet another child between you. Unfortunately, unless you live in Illinois, Alaska or California, the law looks at your dog as property — this is true...
Parental teamwork paves the way to a workable child custody plan
Divorce may be on the horizon, but you and your spouse may still have children to raise, children who must adjust to the breakup of the family unit. You will need guidelines to help you manage your new role as co-parents, and teamwork is a good way to go about...
Are electric vehicles too quiet to be safe?
Because of designated sidewalks and mandatory yield signs, many parts of New Jersey are walkable for pedestrians. Still, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 175 pedestrians died in motor vehicle accidents in the Garden State in 2019 alone....
Could mediation be the best divorce option for the two of you?
If you and your spouse have decided to end your marriage, you may dread the thought of a lengthy divorce in court. Mediation is another option that many divorcing couples prefer because of its advantages over litigation. What can you expect to happen if you choose...
Don’t Google or Waze and Drive – Navigation by Cell Phone Can get you Ticketed
New Jersey’s Appellate Division released a published decision yesterday ruling that a driver’s use of his cell phone to type in the address for directions to his destination while driving constitutes the use of the phone prohibited by N.J.S.A. 34:97-3. This section of...
Drawing attention to other distracted driving risk factors
Behind the wheel, you need to avoid any distractions that could affect your driving. Many drivers understand that cell phones play a major role in the prevalence of distracted driving, such as texting, sending emails and making calls. However, many there are many...
NIL’S ARE NOT ONLY FOR COLLEGE STARS – NEW JERSEY PERMITS HIGH SCHOOL NIL’S
In response to a question raised through family members about what parents need to know -- and do -- in response to a NIL offer to their 16-year-old multi-sport star, I did a bit of research. Here is what I learned. NIL’s stand for Name Image and Likeness, you may...
Can a dog attack lead to sepsis?
Even if you trust your own dog implicitly, you know how unpredictable and dangerous other animals can be. In fact, a seemingly friendly dog may turn vicious with little notice or no notice at all. If a dog attacks you, you are vulnerable to a variety of injuries,...
How can doctors treat animal bites?
Animal bites can happen to anyone. Bites may occur with familiar animals, family pets or stranger animals at a campsite or hiking trails. According to Healthline, most people suffer animal bites because of a family pet. While some animal bites may result in mild...