What Are the Different Types of Alimony in New Jersey?

Before a divorce settlement can be finalized, many decisions must be made, including property division, debt allocation, child custody, child support, and spousal support. Spousal support, or alimony, is a contentious but necessary aspect of divorce law. To learn more about the different types of alimony offered in New Jersey, reach out to a Morristown alimony attorney today.

What Are the Different Types of Alimony in NJ?

Alimony is financial support that one spouse pays the other either during or after a divorce as a way to ensure that neither spouse is unfairly financially disadvantaged by the termination of the marriage. New Jersey state law recognizes several forms of alimony that can be awarded either during or after the divorce, per NJ 2A:34-23. Consider the following.

Pendente lite

Pendente lite is a temporary form of alimony ordered by the court during the separation or divorce process. It provides the lower-earning spouse with financial support during this time to ensure that bills continue to be paid, they can maintain a similar standard of living, and they can afford legal counsel during the case. However, once the divorce is finalized, the financial support is terminated.

Rehabilitative alimony

Rehabilitative alimony provides the lower-earning spouse with the opportunity for rehabilitation as they re-enter the workforce. The provided financial support allows them to obtain the tools necessary to become self-supporting, whether that entails finishing a college degree, taking training courses, purchasing business tools, or simply covering the cost of living during the transitional period.

Limited duration alimony

Limited duration alimony is just what it sounds like: financial support paid by one spouse for a limited period of time. This type of maintenance allows the lower-earning spouse to maintain their style of living as they become financially independent.

Open durational alimony

This type of alimony was once referred to as permanent alimony, though it can be modified or terminated under certain circumstances. However, open durational alimony often lasts for the remainder of the parties’ lives. This type of support is only available for marriages that have lasted more than 20 years and for spouses who cannot become financially independent due to their age, health, or a disability.

Reimbursement alimony

Reimbursement alimony is a type of repayment that one spouse may be ordered to pay to the other. If a spouse made significant financial or other contributions that helped their partner move ahead in their career or earning capacity, they may be owed reimbursement. For example, if a spouse paid for the other’s master’s degree or raised the children while the other advanced their career, they could be paid back for those sacrifices.

If you are considering getting a divorce, understanding the types of alimony that you may pay or receive is important in protecting your rights.