When you’re going through a divorce in Parsippany, NJ, dealing with spousal support can feel like one of the toughest parts. The financial and emotional stress of figuring out how much support is fair can quickly become overwhelming. Besides, all the complex legal details involved can easily become overly stressful especially when handling everything alone.
But you don’t have to.
At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, we understand how complex spousal support cases can be and the toll they can take on your well-being. We’ve worked with individuals on such cases and we’ll work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure a fair outcome that meets your needs.
What is Spousal Support in Parsippany, NJ?
Spousal support, also known as alimony or spousal maintenance, is the amount of money one spouse may be required to pay to the other during or after a divorce.
The main aim of spousal support is to help both spouses maintain a similar standard of living as they had during the marriage and prevent a significant financial gap. New Jersey law considers spousal support gender-neutral, meaning that either spouse can receive or pay alimony.
We Can Help You Understand How the Courts in Parsippany, NJ Determine Alimony
The Parsippany, NJ courts don’t follow a strict formula to determine alimony. Instead, they evaluate various factors outlined in New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23(b)) to make a fair and just decision.
These factors include:
- Needs of the child.
- Standard of living and economic circumstances of each parent.
- All sources of income and assets of each parent.
- Earning ability of each parent, including education, training, work experience, and custodial responsibilities.
- Need and capacity of the child for education, including higher education.
- Age and health of both the child and each parent.
- Income, assets, and earning ability of the child.
- Responsibilities of the parents for court-ordered support of others.
- Reasonable debts and liabilities of each child and parent.
- Any other factors the court may deem relevant.
We know that these factors can be extensive and confusing. Our Parsippany alimony attorneys can help you understand these factors and how they apply to your unique circumstances and arrive at a fair alimony arrangement.
The Types of Alimony We Handle in Parsippany, NJ
We know that every situation is different, and the type of support you might receive or be asked to pay depends on your specific circumstances.
Here are the main types of spousal support we help resolve in Parsippany, NJ:
Temporary (Pendente Lite) Alimony
Temporary or pendente lite alimony provides you with immediate financial support during the divorce proceedings. It helps you maintain the standard of living that you were accustomed to during the marriage, ensuring that you don’t suffer undue financial hardship before reaching a final settlement.
This type of alimony typically ends when the divorce is finalized, but it can transition into another form of spousal support if the court deems it necessary.
Open-Duration Alimony
Open-duration alimony is generally reserved for marriages that have lasted more than 20 years. Unlike other types of alimony, it doesn’t have a predefined end date and can continue indefinitely until the court decides to change it.
This type of support is often awarded when you lack the financial means to support yourself due to factors like age, disability, or lack of marketable skills. It ensures you can maintain a similar standard of living to what you had during the marriage.
Rehabilitative Alimony
Rehabilitative alimony helps you gain the necessary skills or education to become financially independent. This type of support focuses on short-term financial assistance while you pursue job training, education, or career development to help you enter or re-enter the workforce.
Its goal is to bridge the gap so that you eventually support yourself without relying on continued financial assistance from your former spouse.
Limited Duration Alimony
You get limited-duration alimony when you’ve been in a shorter marriage, and long-term support isn’t necessary. It offers you temporary financial assistance, helping you adjust to a single-income lifestyle or find stable employment.
The length and amount of this support depend on your marriage’s duration and your financial needs, ending when the set period is over or once you’re financially independent.
Reimbursement Alimony
Reimbursement alimony compensates you if you made financial sacrifices during the marriage, such as paying for your partner’s education or career advancement.
It’s awarded when you’ve supported your ex-spouse’s education or career, expecting to benefit from their increased earnings during your marriage.
Our Attorneys Can Help Modify or Stop Spousal Support Orders in Parsippany, NJ
We know that life can bring unexpected changes, and your spousal support needs may change over time. If you’ve experienced a substantial change in your financial or personal circumstances, you could be eligible for a modification.
We can help you modify that alimony agreement in the case of:
- A significant decrease in income through no fault of your own.
- Your ex-spouse has remarried.
- A substantial increase in your ex-spouse’s income.
- Reaching the full retirement age (usually around age 67).
- A serious illness or disability that affects your ability to work.
Modifying these orders isn’t automatic, though; it requires going through a legal process to prove that the change is justified.
The first step in seeking a modification is filing a petition with the court. This petition should clearly outline the reasons for your request and include evidence of the changes in your financial situation or your ex-spouse’s circumstances.
Courts in New Jersey typically review several factors before deciding whether to adjust support, including the reason for the initial support award, current income levels, and the financial needs of both parties.
Petrelli Previtera LLC’s experienced attorneys have guided many clients through the alimony modification process in Parsippany, NJ. Whether you’re seeking to increase, reduce, or terminate spousal support, we’re here to help throughout the process.
FAQs on Spousal Support in Parsippany
Is alimony automatic in Parsippany, NJ?
No, alimony isn’t automatic. It’s based on the financial needs of one spouse and the other’s ability to pay, as outlined in the New Jersey Alimony statute.
How can I get out of paying alimony in NJ?
- Negotiate a settlement
- Prove financial hardship
- If your ex lives with a new partner and their financial situation improves
- Use a mediator to find a fair resolution outside of court
- If your financial situation has significantly changed
- Retirement
- Prove your ex’s financial independence
How long does spousal support typically last in Parsippany, NJ?
The duration of spousal support varies depending on the type of alimony awarded and the specifics of the marriage.
Why Choose Our Spousal Support Lawyers in Parsippany, NJ
After the dust of divorce settles, the right lawyer can help you navigate the next step of alimony confidently. Here’s why clients in Parsippany, NJ, trust us with their spousal support cases:
- Extensive knowledge of New Jersey family law.
- Proven track record in spousal support cases, as our client reviews
- Years of experience handling diverse and complex spousal support cases.
- Customized legal strategies that fit your individual needs.
- We prioritize your emotional and financial well-being throughout the legal process.
- Honored for excellence in family law and even recognized in prestigious listings, such as 5000, Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell’s Gold Client Champion Award.
- Strong negotiation and litigation skills.
- We provide empathetic, client-focused support, helping you feel heard and valued at every step.
At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, we don’t just handle your case; we partner with you to build a plan that’ll give you the best outcome for your future. Let our award-winning legal team provide guidance, clarity, and peace of mind during this challenging time.
Our Spousal Support Lawyers in Parsippany, NJ Is the Right Team for the Job!
If you’re facing a spousal support issue in Parsippany, NJ, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Petrelli Previtera, LLC at (973) 310-5320 or schedule an online consultation.
You can also visit our Parsippany office located at 8 Campus Dr, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Our team is here to provide clear guidance and dedicated support every step of the way. We’ll show you why we’re the right legal team for the job!