When spouses divorce, both will usually seek an equitable division of their marital assets. However, another financial element to the dissolution may be that one spouse finds valuable. Alimony sometimes referred to as spousal support, could help a spouse of lesser means and earning potential handle the transition to single life. A New Jersey judge will review both parties’ financial situations before making final decisions, so it becomes imperative to provide evidence to support any requests.
Understanding alimony fundamentals
Alimony is not guaranteed to anyone, but a dependent spouse could ask for the support payments. The other spouse might agree to a specific amount, or the matter may need to go before the judge for a decision. Often, the dependent spouse needs the money to cover an established standard of living. For some, lack of work experience or years of relying on the other partner could hinder earning potential. So, receiving a spousal support award becomes vital for financial stability.
Alimony could be temporary or long-term and will generally end when the recipient remarries. Decisions regarding alimony will vary among divorce cases.
Determining alimony awards
When requesting alimony, the dependent spouse could provide evidence supporting living expenses. Rent, food, and health care bills are some examples of such evidence. These may not be the only things the court considers.
The court would likely consider the marriage’s duration. If the marriage lasted many years, a spouse could receive money support than had the marriage only lasted a short time. That said, if the dependent spouse has massive, unnecessary debts or struggles with drug and alcohol problems, the court may question a request for an excessive amount.
