Getting a divorce? Here’s how alimony works in New Jersey – NJ.com

Historically, there has been an unwritten rule – a rule of thumb – for alimony. It said one-third of the difference of the parties’ gross incomes equated to a gross alimony number, said Terryann Bradley, a family law attorney with Laufer, Dalena, Cadicina and Bradley in Morristown. 

But if a spouse brings in a lot of cash, the numbers could be different.

If a divorce involves “high earners,” typically greater than $250,000 of income per year, adjustments would be expected to be made, said Kenneth White, a certified matrimonial attorney with Shane and White in Edison.

The idea of the unwritten rule will go out the window as sweeping tax changes take effect in 2019, severely impacting alimony, our experts said. 

More on that in a moment. 

D’Agostini said the goal of alimony is to allow both parties to continue to live an equal lifestyle after the divorce. 

“Since New Jersey is an expensive state to live in, it is often difficult for both parties to maintain the same standard of living that was enjoyed during the marriage, so compromises need to be made,” she said. “The support given is not meant to enrich one party or the other and is a bridge to allow the lower earning – or unemployed – spouse the opportunity to become self-sufficient.”