Bergen County Alimony Attorney
What You Need to Know Before Filing
Alimony is often one of the most complicated and emotional parts of a divorce. Unlike child support, which follows strict guidelines, spousal support in New Jersey leaves much up to the judge’s discretion. That means the outcome can vary widely depending on how the case is presented. If you’re facing divorce in Hackensack or anywhere in Bergen County, working with an experienced Bergen County alimony attorney can protect your financial future and help you understand what to expect. At The Davies Law Firm, we fight for fair results and guide clients through the complex factors courts use to decide alimony.
Bergen County Alimony Attorney: 3 Steps to Take Now
If you’re preparing for divorce or already in the middle of one, these are three smart steps you should take right now to protect yourself:
Step 1: Gather Financial Documentation
Start collecting pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, investment records, and proof of household expenses. Your attorney will need these to build a clear financial picture for your case.
Step 2: Understand Your Budget and Lifestyle
Courts often base alimony on the lifestyle established during the marriage. Document your regular expenses—housing, insurance, childcare, and entertainment—to show your true financial needs.
Step 3: Speak with an Experienced Bergen County Alimony Attorney Early
Don’t wait until your spouse files first. Early legal advice helps you plan, protect your assets, and prepare realistic expectations for negotiations or court.
👉 Call (201) 820-3460 or schedule a confidential consultation with The Davies Law Firm in Hackensack to take control of your case today.
What Exactly Is Alimony in New Jersey?
Alimony (spousal support) is money one spouse may be required to pay the other after divorce to help maintain financial stability. Typically, the higher-earning spouse pays the other spouse, but the specific amount and duration are determined by the court.
Since New Jersey’s 2014 reform, judges must consider 14 separate statutory factors (N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23b), including:
Income and earning capacity of each spouse
Length of the marriage
Standard of living during the marriage
Each spouse’s age and health
Time spent out of the workforce
Parental responsibilities and childcare obligations
Contributions to the marriage, including raising children or supporting a spouse’s career
Property distribution and available assets
How Long Will I Have to Pay Alimony?
One of the biggest questions clients ask is about duration.
For marriages under 20 years, alimony generally cannot last longer than the marriage itself, unless “exceptional circumstances” exist.
For longer marriages, the court may award open durational alimony, meaning payments continue indefinitely unless modified later.
Exceptional circumstances (like chronic illness, inability to work, or a spouse’s long absence from the workforce) can extend payments even in shorter marriages.
How Much Alimony Will I Have to Pay?
There is no simple formula in New Jersey. Judges look at lifestyle during the marriage, each spouse’s income, and ability to maintain a reasonably comparable standard of living. The gap between incomes often drives alimony awards.
This makes having a skilled Bergen County alimony attorney critical — strong advocacy and supporting evidence can influence how the court weighs the factors.
Can Alimony Be Modified After Divorce?
Yes. Alimony orders are not always permanent. You may be able to reduce or increase payments if circumstances change, such as:
Job loss or major income changes
Retirement
Significant health issues
Remarriage or cohabitation by the receiving spouse
Your lawyer can file a motion with the Bergen County Family Court to request modification.
What Happens If Alimony Isn’t Paid?
Failure to pay alimony can trigger serious consequences, including:
Wage garnishment
Property liens
Suspension of driver’s or professional licenses
Contempt of court charges
If you’re owed alimony, The Davies Law Firm can take enforcement action. If you’re struggling to pay, we can petition for modification to protect you from penalties.
Why Hire a Bergen County Alimony Attorney?
Alimony disputes are some of the toughest battles in divorce. Without legal representation, you risk overpaying or being left without enough support to move forward. At The Davies Law Firm in Hackensack, we:
Build persuasive arguments backed by financial evidence
Challenge or defend claims of “exceptional circumstances”
Guide clients through modification or enforcement motions
Negotiate settlements when possible, fight in court when necessary
👉 Call (201) 820-3460 or request a consultation online to discuss your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alimony in Bergen County
1. How do judges decide who pays alimony?
Judges compare incomes, earning potential, and lifestyle during the marriage to determine if one spouse needs financial support.
2. Can men receive alimony in New Jersey?
Yes. Alimony is gender-neutral — either spouse can receive support depending on the financial situation.
3. Does adultery affect alimony?
Generally, no. New Jersey is a no-fault divorce state, and marital misconduct like adultery does not directly impact alimony awards.
4. Can I avoid court and negotiate alimony privately?
Yes. Many couples reach alimony agreements through mediation or negotiation with attorneys, which the court can then approve.
New Jersey Courts – Alimony Information
Working through alimony issues can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle it alone. The laws in New Jersey are complex, and every case is unique. Having an experienced Bergen County alimony attorney on your side means you’ll have someone who understands the courts, knows how judges think, and will fight for a fair financial outcome. At The Davies Law Firm in Hackensack, we are here to protect your rights and guide you toward a stable future.
