Do you have concerns about how to make ends meet after divorce? New Jersey courts may order spousal support in this situation.

Review the factors that contribute to determinations about spousal support, commonly called alimony, in the Garden State.

Types of spousal support

You can ask the court for different types of alimony based on your situation. The common forms of New Jersey spousal support include:

• Pendente lite, which you can receive during the separation period
• Limited duration, which gives you time to pursue to improve your financial situation
• Reimbursement, which may be available if you supported your spouse through his or her education and job training
• Rehabilitative alimony, which provides support as you pursue job training or education

The state rarely awards permanent alimony. However, you may qualify for ongoing payments if you cannot become self-supporting because of age or disability.

Factors in alimony decisions

Unlike with child support, New Jersey does not use a specific formula to figure out spousal support. Instead, the judge may consider factors that include:

• Who cares for your children most of the time
• Whether you left the job market to care for your children
• Each person's job skills, education and earning capacity
• The standard of living you and your spouse shared during the marriage
• Each person's ability to uphold that standard of living in a separate household
• Your emotional and physical health and that of your spouse
• Each person's age
• The length of the marriage
• Each person's income, assets and financial situation

You can negotiate an alimony agreement with your spouse or you can ask the court to decide on your behalf.