Alimony
When a married household becomes two – what happens to the income?
HELPING YOU NAVIGATE THE CHALLENGES OF FAMILY LAW, DIVORCE, & SEPARATION
When there is a financial imbalance between two spouses in a divorce, spousal support, or alimony, is usually paid. Alimony can be one of the most emotional components of any divorce and is a complex and fact-sensitive issue. Although popular entertainment has promoted the idea that alimony is paid by a husband to a wife, the reality is that alimony is gender-neutral and is based on the relative incomes of the individuals.
Is there a set amount for alimony?
How long is alimony paid?
The amount of alimony can change, depending on the financial circumstances of the person paying and the person being paid. If you lose your job, for example, we can help you petition the court for a modification of the original spousal support order, although success is not guaranteed. If the spouse being paid alimony cohabits with someone else, this does not necessarily mean that alimony payments stop, as it depends on the terms of the original alimony agreement. When you reach the age of retirement, the amount of alimony can be reduced or even ended, depending on the circumstances and finances of the spouses involved.
What if my spouse refuses to pay the alimony agreed upon?
Alimony is governed by state law and is a legal order by the court. If your spouse is not paying, we can help you file a motion to the court to enforce the order. This could include anything from an order to pay all outstanding payments immediately, the sale of property to satisfy the outstanding amounts, or even an arrest of the spouse.
Negotiating alimony payments is often extremely complex, and determining a fair and reasonable amount can often be a major sticking point between legally separating spouses. If you have any questions about alimony, or any other areas of divorce and family law, please feel free to call us for a legal consult. We will provide you with individualized legal counsel with one of our family lawyers. Ideally, you may find a reasonable way to resolve your alimony issues privately through negotiation, mediation, or the Collaborative Law process. A collaboratively trained attorney can help you work together through collaborative practice to find a level of alimony that both spouses can agree to.
Keith Family Law is a full service family law practice in Westfield, New Jersey that serves clients from Union County, Essex County, Hudson County, Morris County, Hunterdon County, Somerset County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Warren County.
Get started today
Our Family Law Services
Divorce & Separation
We provide expert legal guidance through the entire divorce process, from a period of separation to divorce finalization.
Learn More
Litigation
When matters in a divorce need to be settled in family court, our attorneys are compassionate, commanding advocates.
Learn More
Collaborative Divorce
Explore a new process of divorce that has been proven to reduce conflict, preserve families, and promote lasting marital settlement agreements.
Learn More
Mediation
Our divorce mediation services provide the expert help you need in devising a settlement agreement that both parties can live with.
Learn More
Alimony
Alimony can be an emotional and complex component of divorce. We can help negotiate an acceptable outcome for everyone involved.
Learn More
Child Custody
Let us guide you through the often sensitive and nuanced child custody process to ensure your child's best interests are being met.
Learn More
Child Support
Child support issues can be varied and complex. We can help you ensure the wellbeing of your child is put before anything else.
Learn More
Equitable Distribution
Get the help you need to ensure all marital assets are distributed in an equitable manner between the parties involved.
Learn More
Domestic Violence
Receive the legal assistance you need in order to get you and your children out of a domestic violence situation and into safety.
Learn More
Agreements
Keep control over your divorce with an agreement reached on your schedule and tailored specifically to your needs.
Learn More
Guardianship
We provide individualized legal counsel to help you determine your best course of action for when you must step into someone else's shoes.
Learn More
Wills & Powers of Attorney
Eliminate any uncertainty about your wishes after you have passed on or designate someone in advance to legally handle your affairs.
Learn More