Divorce can really shake up your life, emotionally, mentally, and financially. One of the biggest stress points tends to be alimony. People often ask things like “Will I have to pay?” or “How long will this last?” In New Jersey, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. There are different types of alimony designed for different situations, and the terms can vary depending on your circumstances. If you are trying to understand the difference between temporary and permanent alimony, starting with the basics can make things a little less overwhelming. And if you are looking for some guidance, the team at Carvajal Law is here to help you figure out what comes next.
What Is Alimony?
Alimony is financial support that one former spouse might have to pay the other after a divorce. It is not about punishing anyone. The idea is to help things stay reasonably fair, especially when one person was financially dependent during the marriage.
Take a situation where one spouse stayed home to raise kids while the other earned most of the income. After the divorce, that income gap does not magically disappear. Alimony can help the lower-earning spouse get the support they need to move forward and regain financial stability.
In New Jersey, alimony is not guaranteed. Judges take a close look at several factors, like how long the marriage lasted, each person’s income, their age and health, and what kind of lifestyle they had while they were together. Every case is different, and decisions are made based on what is fair in that specific situation.
Temporary Alimony and Permanent Alimony Explained
In New Jersey, alimony can take different forms depending on where you are in the divorce process. Two of the most common types are temporary alimony and what is now called open durational alimony.
Temporary alimony, sometimes called pendente lite support, is meant to help with everyday expenses while the divorce is still moving through the court. It covers basic needs like housing, bills, and groceries, making sure both spouses can stay afloat during a time when finances might be uncertain. It is not meant to be permanent—just a short-term solution until the divorce is finalized.
What used to be known as permanent alimony is now called open durational alimony, thanks to a law change in 2014. This kind of support is usually awarded in marriages that lasted 20 years or more. While it does not have a fixed end date, it can be changed or ended if something major happens, like the person paying reaches retirement age, or the person receiving support remarries or starts living with someone new.
For marriages under 20 years, the court may award limited duration alimony instead. That support usually lasts no longer than the marriage itself, unless there is a good reason—like a serious illness or a big career sacrifice by one spouse.
The law also gives room for adjustments when life takes an unexpected turn. If the person paying alimony loses their job for a long period or if the financial situation of either party shifts significantly, the support terms can be revisited.
These changes were meant to make alimony decisions more practical and fair. Knowing the difference between these types of support can help you better understand what might apply in your own case and prepare for the road ahead.
Why You Need a Divorce Attorney for Alimony Issues in New Jersey
Alimony is not always easy to figure out. Whether you are expecting to receive support or might have to pay it, the process can feel confusing, especially with all the rules that apply in New Jersey.
Courts look at many different details when deciding alimony. They consider how long the marriage lasted, how much each person earns, what kind of lifestyle you had together, and whether either spouse will need time or help to get back on their feet. Without someone who knows the system guiding you, it is easy to miss something important.
That is where a divorce lawyer can really make a difference. They can walk you through what to expect, explain your options clearly, and help you work toward a fair outcome. If something changes later, like losing a job or one person getting remarried, they can also help you request a change to the support agreement.
If you are dealing with alimony questions during a divorce in New Jersey, speaking with a lawyer can help take some of the pressure off and give you a better sense of where you stand.
Speak With a New Jersey Divorce Lawyer Today
Divorce can leave you with a lot of unanswered questions, especially when it comes to alimony. Whether you are unsure about your rights or just need someone to explain what might happen next, speaking with a divorce lawyer can really help.
A knowledgeable attorney can walk you through your options and give you honest advice based on your situation. They can help you understand what kind of support might apply, what the court looks at, and what steps you can take to protect your future.
If you are in the middle of a divorce or thinking about starting the process, this is a good time to get answers. Reaching out to a trusted New Jersey divorce lawyer from Carvajal Law could be the first step toward getting the clarity and support you need.