Divorce is never an easy process, and one of the most challenging aspects of a divorce settlement is determining alimony. Alimony is financial support paid by one ex-spouse to the other after a divorce. The purpose of alimony is to help ensure that the lower-earning spouse can maintain their standard of living after the divorce. One of the most common questions asked by people getting divorced in New Jersey is how long alimony will last. In this article, we will answer this question in depth.
Types of Alimony in New Jersey
Before discussing how long alimony will last in New Jersey, it’s essential to understand the different types of alimony. In New Jersey, there are four types of alimony:
Open Durational Alimony
Open durational alimony is awarded when a marriage lasts 20 years or more. There is no set end date for open durational alimony, and it can only be modified or terminated if there has been a significant and permanent change in circumstances.
Limited Duration Alimony
Limited duration alimony is awarded for a fixed period, and the payments will stop once that period has ended. This type of alimony is typically awarded for marriages that lasted less than 20 years.
Rehabilitative Alimony
Rehabilitative alimony is awarded for a fixed period to allow the recipient to gain the skills needed to become self-sufficient. This type of alimony is commonly awarded when one spouse chose to stay at home to take care of the children during the marriage.
Reimbursement Alimony
Reimbursement alimony is awarded to compensate one spouse for the investment they made in their partner’s education or career advancement during the marriage.
How Long Does Alimony Last in New Jersey?
The length of alimony payments in New Jersey varies based on the type of alimony awarded. Here is a breakdown of how long each type of alimony lasts:
Open Durational Alimony
For open durational alimony, there is no set end date. The payments will only stop if there has been a significant and permanent change in circumstances, such as remarriage, retirement, or cohabitation.
Limited Duration Alimony
Limited duration alimony payments last for a fixed period. The length of these payments depends on the length of the marriage, and the court will generally award one year of alimony for every three years of marriage.
Rehabilitative Alimony
Rehabilitative alimony lasts for a fixed period. The length of this type of alimony will depend on the time it takes the recipient to acquire the education or training needed to become self-sufficient.
Reimbursement Alimony
Reimbursement alimony lasts for a fixed period. The length of this type of alimony will depend on the amount of money the recipient invested in their partner’s education or career advancement during the marriage.
Conclusion
In New Jersey, alimony payments may be awarded to help ensure that the lower-earning spouse maintains their standard of living after a divorce. The length of alimony payments in New Jersey varies based on the type of alimony awarded. Open durational alimony has no set end date, while limited duration, rehabilitative, and reimbursement alimony payments last for a fixed period. Couples going through a divorce in New Jersey should consult with a divorce lawyer to understand their rights and options when it comes to alimony and other aspects of the divorce settlement.