Helping a spouse earn a medical degree, law degree, MBA or another degree often feels like an investment in the future together. Many couples make financial sacrifices with an expectation that both spouses will enjoy a higher standard of living after graduation. When a marriage dissolves shortly after graduation, questions naturally arise about whether those sacrifices still matter. While a degree is not divided as marital property, the support one spouse provided during the other’s education may still affect financial issues in a divorce.
When can paying for a spouse’s education matter?
New Jersey courts recognize that one partner might put personal goals on hold to help the other complete an advanced education. The supporting partner might work overtime, cover tuition bills directly or handle all household living expenses while anticipating a shared financial return down the road.
In some situations, a court might consider whether reimbursement alimony is needed. Under New Jersey law, reimbursement alimony applies when one partner provides financial support for another’s advanced degree with the clear expectation of sharing in the higher earning capacity resulting from the education.
Whether reimbursement alimony may be appropriate depends on the facts of the marriage, not simply the degree itself.
What facts could affect the outcome?
The court may consider factors such as:
- Whether one spouse helped pay tuition or other education costs
- Whether one spouse covered most of the household expenses while the other attended school
- Whether one spouse delayed personal education or career opportunities to provide support
- Whether both spouses expected to benefit from the increased earning potential after graduation
- Whether the marriage ended before those expected financial benefits were shared
These facts help provide a clearer picture of each spouse’s contributions during the marriage.
Why the degree is not the only issue
The value of a degree itself is generally not divided in a divorce. Instead, the focus is on the financial sacrifices made during the marriage and whether one spouse should be compensated for supporting the other’s education. Looking at the full picture helps ensure those contributions are not overlooked when important financial decisions are made.
