New Jersey Alimony Lawyer Representing Clients In Camden, Burlington, Gloucester And Cumberland Counties
Alimony can be awarded as part of a divorce proceeding so that a dependent spouse is not left without any means of financial support. I am attorney Stephen R. Piper, and I represent clients who need to determine, modify or enforce alimony payments. If you have questions about alimony, please contact The Law Offices of Stephen R. Piper, LLC, online. New Jersey alimony laws changed in 2014.
There are now four types of alimony in New Jersey:
- Open duration alimony: For marriages of 20 years or more, alimony is paid up until the age of the payee’s retirement as defined by the statute, and then it may be subject to modification.
- Limited duration alimony: For marriages of fewer than 20 years, the duration of alimony payments cannot exceed the number of years the parties were married.
- Rehabilitative alimony: This alimony is designed for dependent spouses who need support while they receive education or training that will allow them to support themselves.
- Reimbursement alimony: This form of alimony is ordered for those who financially supported the other spouse through a training or education program during the marriage believing that they would benefit from the spouse’s higher income in subsequent years.
Who Can Receive Alimony In New Jersey?
Alimony is typically awarded to the lower-earning spouse. It is not awarded to either spouse when both parties have similar levels of income or earning capacity.
How Long Will Alimony Payments Last?
There is not a set formula for determining alimony as there is for child support. This means that attorneys have more room to negotiate in the best interests of their clients. Judges decide each case individually. The court must consider the following 14 factors when determining alimony:
- The actual need and ability of the parties to pay
- The duration of the marriage or civil union
- The age, physical and emotional health of the parties
- The standard of living established in the marriage or civil union
- The earning capacities, educational levels, vocational skills and employability of the parties
- The length of absence from the job market of the party seeking maintenance
- The parental responsibilities for the children
- The time and expense necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the party seeking maintenance to find appropriate employment
- The history of the financial or nonfinancial contributions to the marriage or civil union by each party
- The equitable distribution of property ordered and any payouts on equitable distribution out of current income
- The income available to either party through investment of any assets held by that party
- The tax treatment and consequences to both parties of any alimony award
- The nature, amount and length of support paid during litigation, if any
- Any other factors that the court may deem relevant
What Are The Tax Implications Of Alimony?
Spousal support is tax deductible by the paying spouse and treated as taxable income to the recipient spouse under the Internal Revenue Code. This means that there are possible income tax advantages to the individual paying spousal support. The 2014 changes to the New Jersey alimony law continue to be interpreted and clarified. If alimony is an important issue in your divorce or your post-divorce life, it is important to speak to a lawyer who understands the new law.
As a divorce and family law attorney, I am well-versed in New Jersey alimony law and know how to achieve positive outcomes for my clients. To learn how I can help, please contact The Law Offices of Stephen R. Piper, LLC, online or call 856-333-3586. From my offices in Moorestown, New Jersey, I represent clients in Camden, Burlington, Gloucester and Cumberland counties and throughout South Jersey as well as in the Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania.