Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed May 24, 2018
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Alimony - also called spousal support - refers to cash payments made by one ex-spouse to the other upon divorce or legal separation. Alimony is not always guaranteed; instead, it's determined on a need basis. Most states have laws providing a general guide for how decisions relating to alimony awards are made.
In New Jersey, the decision to award alimony is based on a variety of factors. For marriages or civil unions that have lasted less than 20 years, the duration of alimony won't exceed the length of the marriage or civil union unless there are exceptional circumstances. For example, an ex-spouse has a chronic illness and needs financial support.
It's also possible to receive palimony - financial support for exes who were never married - in New Jersey. However, as per New Jersey's statute of frauds, palimony is only awarded in cases where the couple had a signed written agreement in which one party agreed to pay the other such support.
The following chart provides a summary of New Jersey alimony laws in plain English, as well as links to the relevant statutes. Please remember that it's important to also read the actual text of laws when conducting legal research.
| Statute(s) | New Jersey Statutes 2A Section 34-23, et seq. (Alimony and Maintenance) |
| Types of Alimony | The court can order any of the following types of alimony (separately or in any combination):
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| Factors to Determine if Alimony Should Be Awarded | In determining if alimony should be awarded, the court considers a variety of factors* including:
*Please see the statute for a complete list of factors. |
| Who Cannot Receive Alimony? |
A person is unable to receive alimony if they have been convicted of murder, manslaughter, criminal homicide, aggravated assault under New Jersey's criminal laws (or similar crimes in another jurisdiction), if:
Additionally, a person who's convicted of an attempt or conspiracy to commit murder cannot receive alimony from a person who was the intended victim. |
| Related Statute(s) | New Jersey Statutes 2A Section 34-1, et seq. (Causes for Nullification and Divorce) |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
If you'd like more information related to this topic, you can visit the links below.
Whether your ex is claiming that you owe alimony or you believe that you're entitled to support, alimony proceedings will have a direct affect on your finances. Speak to a local divorce lawyer to find out how New Jersey alimony laws affect your particular situation.
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