Alimony is one of the most contentious issues that arises during divorce proceedings. If you are anticipating an alimony dispute in your divorce, it’s important to understand the different types that the court can order in New Jersey. Here’s an overview of the five types of alimony:
Temporary Alimony
Temporary alimony is awarded before the divorce has been finalized. This type of alimony is awarded to spouses who need financial support in order to cover expenses incurred during the divorce proceedings. Temporary alimony payments end once the divorce has been finalized, but the spouse may start receiving other forms of alimony at this point.
Open Duration Alimony
Open duration alimony, which was previously called permanent alimony, is only awarded in cases involving couples that have been married for at least 20 years. This type of alimony is ordered to ensure that both parties can maintain the lifestyle they became accustomed to during the marriage. Therefore, it is usually ordered when there is a significant difference in income between the two spouses.
Limited Duration Alimony
Limited duration alimony is an option in cases where the couple has not been married for at least 20 years. Whereas open duration alimony payments can continue indefinitely, limited duration alimony payments are only made for a set period of time. The length of time that these payments are made cannot exceed the length of time that the couple was married.
The purpose of limited duration alimony is to give the lesser-earning spouse time to become self-supporting. By the time the payments end, the spouse should be prepared to live independently.
Rehabilitative Alimony
Some spouses will need training or education in order to become self-supporting. In cases like these, the judge can award rehabilitative alimony. The spouse must show what she plans on doing to become financially independent, the steps that will be taken, and how long her plan will take. If the judge approves, the payments will continue until this rehabilitative period is over.
Reimbursement Alimony
Reimbursement alimony is awarded in cases where one spouse invested a significant amount of money in the other’s education or career. The spouse who invested this money assumed that he was investing in his future, however he no longer gets to reap the rewards of his investment because the marriage is over. To repay him, the court can order the other spouse to pay reimbursement alimony.
Have you decided to end your marriage? If so, Williams Law Group, LLC can help. Our experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to reach an alimony agreement that is in your best interests. Call our office at (908) 810-1083, email us at info@awilliamslawgroup.com, or contact us through our confidential online form to schedule a consultation.
