When alimony is awarded as part of a legal separation or divorce settlement, it becomes a legally binding agreement enforceable by the court. As such, the receiving spouse has recourse if and when the paying spouse fails to meet his or her payment obligation. Usually, this involves filing a petition…
The New Jersey Bar Association has joined the fight for alimony reform within the State. The problem, however, is that now two groups are fighting over whose proposed bill is better. For over two years now, a group known as NJ Alimony Reform has sought to eliminate permanent alimony in…
Couples who live together without the benefit of marriage cannot benefit from the protections of divorce and alimony laws should their relationship end. Instead, these couples can resolve their financial issues through a contractual arrangement referred to as “palimony.” (1) There are differences, however, between alimony and palimony that, if…
The State Assembly currently is considering legislation to end permanent alimony and clarify the guidelines under which other forms of alimony are awarded. (1) In New Jersey, there are four main variations of alimony that can be awarded upon the end of a marriage or civil union: limited duration alimony,…
dollars (Photo credit: Tddy) Alimony, otherwise known as spousal support, is intended to protect the less financially stable partner once a marriage ends. However, when circumstances change, this protective order for one partner turns into a hardship for the other and both parties lose. It is the need to address…
Senior leaders visit Sandy response efforts in NJ and NY (Photo credit: The National Guard) In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, many lives throughout the State were put on hold. Schools were closed; work was missed; bank fees were waived; homes were destroyed; and even property tax deadlines were extended.…
When a couple with children divorces in New Jersey, child support payments are determined with the help of guidelines established by court rule. (1) Because our lives are not stagnant, circumstances can arise that turn what was once considered a fair payment into a hardship. Usually these circumstances involve a…
alimony (Photo credit: Kalense Kid) Massachusetts recently updated its alimony laws to reflect our changing times. (1) Will New Jersey soon follow the example? If after reading the following you need assistance with an alimony issue, particularly in Hunterdon County, contact the family law attorneys at The Rotolo Law Firm…
Daily headlines are filled with stories of layoffs and dismal unemployment rates as our economy continues to flounder. People are finding it harder to meet their financial obligations as they face pay cuts or worse – loss of wages. Recognizing our current difficult financial environment, the New Jersey State Senate…
At least one private New Jersey citizens group is working toward making sure the words “till death do us part” refers to marriage and not alimony payments. The group, New Jersey Alimony Reform, is hoping State lawmakers can be persuaded to follow the example set by Massachusetts earlier this year…