Alimony Decoded: Who Pays What (And for How Long) in New Jersey

“Will I have to pay alimony forever?” It’s one of the first questions people ask when divorce becomes real. For some, the fear is writing checks for the rest of their lives. For others, it’s hoping for enough support to maintain a familiar lifestyle. The truth lies somewhere in between.

In New Jersey, alimony isn’t the lifetime obligation it once was. For decades, permanent alimony meant payments until death or remarriage. That’s no longer the case. Today, the law has been reformed to balance fairness with practicality, and the rules are far more nuanced.

The Types of Alimony

New Jersey recognizes several categories of support. Open duration alimony is reserved for marriages that last more than 20 years, but even then, it can be modified or terminated under certain circumstances. Limited duration alimony applies to shorter marriages, usually under that 20-year mark, and typically runs for a number of years tied to the length of the marriage.

Other forms of alimony serve narrower purposes. Rehabilitative alimony provides short-term support so a spouse can return to school or training to re-enter the workforce. Reimbursement alimony, though rare, compensates a spouse who put a partner through professional school or advanced training.

How Courts Decide

Unlike child support, there’s no simple calculator for alimony. Judges weigh both financial and personal factors: income, earning potential, debts, assets, age, health, and the standard of living during the marriage. Contributions to the household, including raising children, also matter.

In practice, the outcome often reflects the length of the marriage. Under ten years, alimony may be limited or unnecessary. Between ten and twenty years, courts lean toward limited duration alimony, sometimes for half the length of the marriage. Over twenty years, open duration alimony becomes a possibility.

When Alimony Ends

Alimony doesn’t last forever. It terminates if the receiving spouse remarries, if either party dies, or when the court-ordered term expires. Cohabitation—a committed, marriage-like relationship—can also bring payments to a close. Courts look closely at whether two people are truly sharing a life together, from finances to household responsibilities.

Taxes and Modifications

For divorces finalized after 2018, alimony payments are no longer tax-deductible for the payer, nor are they taxable income for the recipient. That shift dramatically changed negotiations, making after-tax realities more important than ever.

Life circumstances also evolve. Job loss, retirement, illness, or a significant increase in income can justify a modification. The standard, however, is a “substantial and permanent” change—not a temporary setback or voluntary lifestyle shift.

Myths and Misunderstandings

Many people bring misconceptions into alimony discussions. Quitting a job doesn’t erase obligations; courts can impute income. Adultery rarely affects alimony in a no-fault state like New Jersey. And while both parties may want to maintain their old lifestyle, divorce means one household becomes two—resources don’t always stretch the same way.

The Bottom Line

Alimony in New Jersey is designed to be fair, not punitive. It’s about helping both spouses adjust to life after divorce, not about punishment or reward. The outcome depends heavily on the facts of each case.

If you and your spouse are separating on good terms, the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right legal guidance, you can put an alimony agreement in place, complete the paperwork correctly, and move forward without the drama or expense of a courtroom battle.

👉 If you’re divorcing amicably and just need help finalizing the paperwork, we can make the process smooth, affordable, and stress-free. Let’s get your agreement done right so you can both move forward with peace of mind.