Cockerill, Craig & Moore, LLC Attorneys at Law

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SPOUSAL SUPPORT IN NEW JERSEY: WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

On Behalf of | Jul 11, 2019 | Firm News |

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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.