Spousal Support in New Jersey
State-specific overview · Family Law
New Jersey uses a statutory formula for temporary support but applies discretionary factors for permanent awards based on marriage length.
How New Jersey treats Spousal Support
New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23) provides a formula for temporary spousal support based on income and a percentage cap, but permanent support depends on factors including the length of marriage, standard of living, and earning capacity. For marriages under 20 years, support duration is typically limited to one-third the marriage length; for marriages of 20 years or more, support may be permanent. Courts have discretion to deviate from the formula based on the statutory factors.
The general definition of Spousal Support
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another, typically during or after divorce proceedings.
Spousal support, also called maintenance or alimony, is money one spouse pays to the other to help with living expenses during or after a divorce. It recognizes that one spouse may have sacrificed career opportunities during the marriage or may have lower earning potential. Courts consider factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning ability, and their age and health when determining if support is appropriate and how much to award. Spousal support can be temporary (lasting only during the divorce process) or permanent (continuing indefinitely or for a set period).
Read the full Spousal Support entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.