Representing You in Alimony Proceedings
One aspect of the New Jersey divorce process is determining whether one spouse is owed alimony (also known as spousal support). Alimony is generally granted when one spouse has become dependent on the other for the income to support the couple's standard of living.
Howard J. Pfeffer, Attorney at Law, has the experience to honestly assess the circumstances of your marriage with regard to alimony and effectively represent you in settlement negotiations or in court. Contact the Bergen County law office to schedule an initial consultation about your case.
Understanding the Relevant Factors
If your divorce case goes to trial in New Jersey, the judge will determine whether to grant alimony — and if so, how much — based on 10 specific factors as well as "any other factor" he or she deems relevant.
The major factors are the length of the marriage and the disparity between the two spouse's incomes, but other relevant factors include the age of the parties and — if they have children — the parenting responsibility taken on by each spouse during the marriage.
The balancing of a large number of factors means there is significant room for the spouses to negotiate an alimony settlement that the judge will be likely to accept without a trial. Whether you resolve your alimony case in settlement negotiations or end up in court, you will need a skilled attorney to look out for your rights.
Contact Passaic County Divorce Lawyer, Howard J. Pfeffer, to get experienced on your side.
Spousal Support, Not a Punishment
Under New Jersey law, alimony is not used to punish one spouse for misbehavior. It is based solely on factors affecting the economic circumstances of each party.
So, for instance, if you can prove that your spouse committed adultery, that fact alone will not increase your alimony. Only under extraordinary circumstances — such as your spouse draining significant funds and other marital assets to carry on an affair — will adultery be relevant.
