Bergen County Alimony Lawyer

Secure Your Family's Future with Expert Legal Guidance

When you turn to Sherwood, Johnson & Poles for legal representation, you can count on our Bergen County divorce attorneys to fight for you. Our personalized approach to family law cases means we actively work with our clients to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Your Trusted Advocates for Alimony Matters

Many divorces in New Jersey quickly become caught up in discussions regarding spousal support or alimony. This is often the case when there is a considerable income disparity between the spouses and there are several types of alimony available to resolve disputes. We aim to keep our clients educated regarding the complexities involved in spousal support. We know that divorce is already a strenuous process, and we are determined to get you through this without added stress or concern.

Our law firm is prepared to help you understand each facet of alimony and spousal support, including:

• Types of alimony and eligibility
• Duration and amount of alimony
• Current changes in the alimony law in our state
• Situations that may warrant modification of alimony, such as a loss of a job or change in income

Understanding Different Types of Alimony in New Jersey

Alimony is an attempt to make up for the disparity in the divorcing spouse’s financial conditions and works to place them as close to the marital lifestyle as possible. There are many different types of alimony that you can be ordered to pay, depending on your situation. We can work with you to help you understand the types of support which may be available to you or your spouse.

• Related Post: 5 Facts About Alimony

Five different types of alimony exist in New Jersey:

• Open Durational —for long-term marriages intended to continue until the payer's retirement
• Rehabilitative—given to prepare the former spouse for economic self-sufficiency
• Reimbursement—awarded to compensate for economic sacrifices made during the marriage
• Limited duration—spousal support for a fixed period of time
• Pendente lite —temporary alimony for while the divorce is in the process of being litigated

No matter which side of alimony you are on, our Bergen County divorce lawyers can push for your rights while alimony is being determined so your best interests are protected. Our firm understands all 13 equitable factors which determine how much alimony is to be awarded such as the duration of the marriage and the non-financial contributions to the marriage of each spouse.

How to Prove Your Alimony Modification Case

If you desire to modify your court order, the burden is on you to show your situation has changed to one which makes paying alimony too much of a financial burden. Even if your former spouse agrees to the modification, you should get a judge to sign off on a modification.

Events which constitute a change in your circumstances include:

• Increased cost of living
• Change in supporting spouse’s income
• Illness, disability, or infirmity which arises after the original order was made
• Dependent spouse’s loss of a home or apartment
• Dependent spouse’s cohabitation with another
• Subsequent employment by the dependent spouse

Divorce agreements can contain modification clauses should one become necessary in the future and parties may even agree to what situations could warrant a modification.

Have Questions About Alimony? Contact Us Today!

If you have more questions related to alimony or any aspect of divorce, do not hesitate to speak with one of our Bergen County divorce attorneys. We have over 25 years of combined legal experience and in that time we’ve learned how best to handle divorce court, in particular when conflicts over alimony are slowing the process. Our services are tailored to the individual and the specific facts the case presents.