{"id":374960,"date":"2018-05-18T14:25:43","date_gmt":"2018-05-18T19:25:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-alimony-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-06-27T14:07:07","modified_gmt":"2024-06-27T19:07:07","slug":"new-jersey-alimony-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-alimony-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"New Jersey Alimony Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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New Jersey Alimony Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Alimony, or spousal support<\/b>,<\/i> is a payment made by one ex-spouse to the other following divorce or legal separation. In New Jersey, alimony payments only last until the recipient spouse no longer needs support. Alimony isn\u2019t always guaranteed. New Jersey laws have a list of factors judges can consider in determining the amount and duration of alimony awards<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Determining Alimony in New Jersey<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

New Jersey recently changed its alimony laws. N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23(b)<\/a> gives the factors judges use to determine child support and alimony. The biggest change to the laws was the duration of support. The new factors help determine if a spouse needs a permanent alimony award.<\/p>\r\n

Gender is not a factor in the duration or amount of alimony. Couples in a civil union or domestic partnership have the same right to alimony as those in a "traditional" marriage. Couples with a written palimony agreement may also make an alimony request.<\/p>\r\n

Judges base the duration of alimony on the length of the marriage or civil union. Long-term marriages are more likely to receive extended awards. They consider other factors during the divorce process before ordering financial support.<\/p>\r\n

Note:<\/b> State laws are subject to change through the passage of new legislation, court rulings (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. FindLaw strives to provide the most current information available. You should consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) before making any legal decisions.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

New Jersey Alimony Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

New Jersey alimony laws consider the recipient spouse’s financial needs and the payor spouse’s ability to pay. Other support payments, such as child support and alimony payments from previous marriages, are also factors.<\/p>\r\n

Judges may consider the following:<\/p>\r\n