Spousal Support

Helping You Understand Spousal Support

When considering whether to award alimony payments from one spouse to another, a court will analyze many different factors to determine what is fair. Unlike child support, New Jersey alimony awards are not determined by a complex set of formulas. The court examines a variety of factors to determine what amount, if any, is appropriate.

At Goldstein & Bachman our founding partners have each practiced in this area of law for more than 20 years. Located in Old Bridge, New Jersey, with satellite offices in Freehold/Manalapan and Eatontown, we serve clients throughout New Jersey, especially in Middlesex County, Monmouth County and Ocean County.

We handle complex divorces on behalf of high net worth individuals, as well as straightforward marriage dissolution agreements for clients with middle-range incomes. Each client’s situation is unique, and we craft individualized solutions to meet each client's needs.

Different Types of Alimony Awards

New Jersey law sets forth multiple factors that a court is required to consider in making an alimony award. The attorneys at Goldstein & Bachman are intimately familiar with these criteria and can provide you with specific advice regarding the most likely outcome in your specific circumstances.

Rehabilitative alimony: This is spousal support given to an ex-spouse to become self-supporting through education and job training. It lasts for a limited time period based on the rehabilitative goal to be achieved (for example, the alimony payments may last for four years, to give an ex-spouse time to attain a college degree).
Permanent alimony: This type of alimony lasts for an indefinite period of time, usually until either the payor or payee passes away. Permanent spousal support is more unusual now than it has been in the past. Usually, permanent alimony is a consideration in marriages of extremely long duration where the spouses have extremely different earning capacities.
Limited duration (term) alimony: This type of spousal support is for a fixed period of time, and it is usually awarded for short-term help to supplement a spouse's income during the divorce proceedings. Under certain circumstances, alimony for a specified term may be modified or terminated if the person receiving alimony begins to share housing with a new romantic partner.

Factors That Can Affect Spousal Support

With so many factors to consider when dealing with support, you need lawyers who are familiar with the process. Different variables such as the spouses' lifestyle during the marriage, each spouse's financial and other contributions to the marriage, and the duration of the marriage can affect an alimony award.

Alimony Issues After the Divorce

After the divorce you may still face alimony issues. We provide ongoing representation concerning alimony awards. If there has been a substantial change in circumstances, alimony awards may be modified or terminated. Factors such as remarriage, variation in income, change in health, job status, and location all can affect spousal support.

Contact Goldstein & Bachman for a Free Initial Consultation

We invite you to learn more about our law firm, our attorneys and family law by browsing the pages of this Web site. To consult with one of our lawyers about your specific circumstances, contact our office to schedule a complimentary initial consultation.

To make an appointment, call toll-free 888-35-LEGAL or 732-360-9300, or send us an e-mail.