Your Estimated Results
Based on the information provided, here is a guideline estimate.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides a simplified estimate for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. New Jersey alimony laws are complex. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
A Simple Path to Your Estimate
Follow these three steps to generate a hypothetical alimony estimate based on a simplified model.
Enter Incomes
Provide the gross annual incomes for both parties using the inputs or sliders for quick adjustment.
Set Marriage Duration
Enter the total length of the marriage in years. This is critical for determining the type and term of alimony.
Analyze Your Results
Review the estimated amount, duration, and the visual comparison of post-alimony incomes.
Why This Tool is Useful in New Jersey
While NJ doesn't have a rigid formula, this tool provides valuable insight by modeling common outcomes and visualizing financial shifts.
Hypothetical Modeling
Generates a potential alimony figure based on a simplified model, offering a tangible starting point for discussion where one doesn't officially exist.
Duration Logic
Distinguishes between marriages under and over 20 years to reflect NJ's "Limited Duration" and "Open Durational" alimony concepts.
Visual Income Shift
The post-alimony income chart clearly illustrates the financial impact on both parties, making the abstract numbers easy to understand.
Empowers Negotiation
Provides a neutral, data-driven baseline that can help facilitate more productive and less contentious settlement discussions.
Important: NJ Has No Alimony Formula
Unlike some states, New Jersey law does not use a mathematical formula to calculate alimony. A judge makes a decision based on a list of statutory factors. This calculator provides a hypothetical estimate for educational purposes only.
Purpose of Alimony
The goal is to allow the lower-earning spouse to maintain a lifestyle reasonably comparable to the one enjoyed during the marriage.
Key Alimony Types
Limited Duration for marriages under 20 years. Open Durational for marriages over 20 years, replacing "permanent" alimony.
How Alimony is Really Decided
A New Jersey judge must weigh the following factors to determine a fair alimony award. Select a factor to learn more.
Need and Ability to Pay
This is the cornerstone of any alimony decision. The court evaluates the recipient spouse's actual financial needs against the paying spouse's ability to provide support without undue hardship.
Duration of the Marriage
This is a critical factor. Marriages under 20 years typically result in Limited Duration Alimony, while those over 20 years can result in Open Durational Alimony, which has no set end date.
Standard of Living
The court considers the lifestyle the couple was accustomed to during the marriage. The goal of alimony is to help the dependent spouse maintain a reasonably comparable standard of living post-divorce.
Earning Capacity & Skills
The court assesses each party's age, health, education, and job skills. It considers how long a dependent spouse has been out of the workforce and the time needed for retraining.
Contributions to the Marriage
This includes both financial and non-financial contributions, such as one spouse supporting the other's education or career, or serving as a homemaker and raising children.
New Jersey Alimony FAQ
Get clear answers to some of the most common questions about spousal support in New Jersey.
For divorce agreements finalized after December 31, 2018, alimony is no longer tax-deductible for the payer, nor is it considered taxable income for the recipient at the federal or state level.
If the recipient cohabits with a new partner in a marriage-like relationship, the paying spouse can file a motion with the court to have the alimony suspended or terminated. Remarriage automatically terminates the alimony obligation.
Yes. Either party can request a modification by demonstrating a "substantial change of circumstances." This could include events like job loss, a significant change in income, disability, or retirement.