Practice Areas

Alimony / Spousal Support

Englewood Alimony and Spousal Support Lawyers

Typically, alimony is assigned in divorce cases where the earning potential between husband and wife is significantly different. In order to restore a measure of fairness and balance in divorce settlements, alimony is used as a means to ensure both parties are capable of maintaining a certain standard of living after their divorce. As such, spousal support is not punitive, nor should it be viewed as a "reward" to the spouse who receives it.

Understanding the income, financial, tax, and legal factors that play a role in determining alimony is important. At Hartstein & Hartstein, we evaluate our client's financial situation, as well as the terms of their divorce, in order to determine what they should receive and why. There's no need to struggle month to month just to pay bills when your ex-spouse has the means to help you. For a free phone consultation regarding your case, contact the law office of Hartstein & Hartstein today.

Types of Alimony

The law office of Hartstein & Hartstein advises and represents clients in regard to the following kinds of alimony:

• Permanent alimony: Typically awarded in cases involving long-term marriages where a large discrepancy in earning potential and income exists. Although permanent alimony must be paid in perpetuo, it can be modified due to a change in circumstances.
• Limited duration alimony: As its name indicates, limited duration alimony is only paid for a certain amount of time, depending on the situation and conditions of the recipient. It too can be modified if need be.
• Rehabilitative alimony: This form of alimony is intended to help a former spouse obtain an education or training in order to support themselves. However, it does not necessarily end if the recipient gets remarried.
• Reimbursement alimony: Reimbursement alimony is paid to a former spouse where he or she set aside their own career or job in order to support the other spouse in their job or education.
• Pendente lite alimony: Occasionally, the court will assign alimony even before a divorce is finally settled in order to ensure its recipient has the funds necessary to pay for necessities, maintain a household, and meet certain financial obligations.

Determining Alimony: How an Attorney Can Help Protect You

Regardless of whether you're eligible to receive alimony or required to pay it, it's essential that you understand your rights in both cases. For instance, since New Jersey is an "equitable distribution" state, any money taken out of an investment or retirement fund in the initial division of property cannot be used for the purposes of determining alimony. We advise you of your rights and ensure your financial interests are protected.

Additionally, in almost any form of alimony, a question arises as to the ability of the recipient to work and earn an income on their own. At Hartstein & Hartstein, our lawyers consult employability experts, psychologists, and career specialists in determining whether or not you or your ex-spouse should work in order to defray the amount of spousal support paid.

Be Prepared: Contact Hartstein & Hartstein Today

We have the knowledge and resources needed to protect our clients' interests and rights in alimony cases. To schedule an appointment to discuss your case, contact the law office of Hartstein & Hartstein today.

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Bergen County Alimony Attorneys
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