New Jersey Alimony Calculator
Estimate spousal support in New Jersey using the state's Judicial Discretion. Includes likelihood, amount range, duration, and the statutory factors that drive the result.
New Jersey divorces typically cost 11% less than the national average of $12,900.
Alimony in New Jersey
- Formula type
- Judicial Discretion
- Fault considered
- No
- Domestic violence factor
- No
- Equal parenting presumption
- No
- Waiting period before final
- No statutory waiting period
Alimony Calculator in New Jersey: What You Should Know
New Jersey reformed its alimony law in 2014, eliminating permanent alimony as the default for marriages under 20 years. Under current law, alimony duration for marriages under 20 years generally cannot exceed the length of the marriage. For marriages over 20 years, courts have discretion to award open-ended alimony. New Jersey recognizes four types of alimony: limited duration, open durational (formerly permanent), rehabilitative, and reimbursement. New Jersey also has a specific provision addressing cohabitation: alimony can be suspended or terminated if the recipient spouse cohabits with another person in a relationship similar to marriage.
Key point: New Jersey's 2014 reform capped alimony duration at the marriage length for marriages under 20 years. A 12-year marriage can produce alimony for no more than 12 years, and in practice, courts typically award far less.
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Use their gross (before-tax) annual income.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
Alimony in New Jersey - Frequently Asked Questions
How is alimony calculated in New Jersey?
New Jersey does not use a fixed formula. Judges determine alimony case by case using statutory factors including marriage length, standard of living, earning capacity, financial resources.
How long does alimony last in New Jersey?
Duration in New Jersey typically scales with marriage length. Short marriages (under 5 years) often produce limited rehabilitative support. Medium marriages (5 to 15 years) commonly produce alimony lasting roughly one third to one half of the marriage length. Long marriages (20+ years) may produce indefinite or permanent alimony, particularly when the recipient cannot reasonably become self-supporting.
Can alimony be modified in New Jersey?
Yes. Either spouse can ask the court to modify alimony based on a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, retirement, the recipient's remarriage or cohabitation, or a serious health change. New Jersey courts typically require the change to be material and not anticipated at the time of the original order.
Does fault affect alimony in New Jersey?
No. New Jersey does not weigh marital fault in setting alimony. Courts focus on financial need, ability to pay, and the other statutory factors rather than blame for the divorce.
Is alimony tax deductible in New Jersey?
For divorces finalized after December 31, 2018, alimony is no longer deductible by the payer or taxable to the recipient under the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This federal rule applies in New Jersey as it does in every state. Older orders entered before 2019 generally retain the prior tax treatment unless modified.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.