After a divorce, the lesser earning spouse may have difficulty providing for themselves financially. In these cases, New Jersey judges may order alimony, also called spousal support. This payment helps lesser earning spouses learn to live independently and is not always ordered. If you’re paying alimony, when can you expect it to end?

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Spousal Support Categories

Generally, spousal support consists of four different types, here we will discuss the main three:

Temporary Spousal Support

In many New Jersey divorce cases, a judge may order temporary spousal support for the spouse who is either unemployed or not able to fully support themselves with their existing income. This support is not unending, it is meant to assist the spouse up to the point that the spouse is able to support themselves.

Rehabilitative Alimony

Rehabilitative alimony is usually awarded when one spouse cannot support themselves after the marriage ends. This type of support works when the spouse has been unemployed for an extended period of time and needs some form of re-education, training or is able to get back to work and support themselves. This support is often for those who have had children in the marriage and who became the primary caretaker of the children because they discontinued working to raise their children.

Permanent Support

Although at one time there was such a thing as permanent support, the reform laws in the state of New Jersey have made it so that the spouse can receive support up to the age of their retirement. In fact, it is not permanent and will not last forever.

When Is It Legal to Stop Spousal Support?

In New Jersey, support typically ceases when:

The former spouse enters a new marriage
You are unable to meet the payment criteria due to financial hardships
A formers spouse passes away
A former spouse reaches the age of retirement

Modifying Your Spousal Support

If you fall under any of the above categories, you may be able to adjust the amount of spousal support that you are paying. Prior to changing the amount that you pay or ceasing payment altogether, you must first obtain an order that allows you to do so.

Call a New Jersey Divorce Lawyer

Do you have questions or concerns about paying alimony as part of your divorce? It is vital to speak to a divorce attorney in New Jersey who understands the process and can help you understand your options. Call Erlina Perez for help today.