New Jersey Spousal Support Lawyers You Can Count On

Spousal support is paid by one spouse to the other after a marriage has ended. It is not a reward, nor is it meant to punish the spouse who makes support payments. The purpose of spousal support is to allow each person to maintain a lifestyle, to the extent possible, similar to that existing during the marriage.

Whether you are seeking spousal maintenance or if you think you may be responsible for spousal maintenance, our experienced family law attorneys at Lofaro & Headley, LLC, in Hoboken, New Jersey, can represent your best interests during negotiations or in court so you get a fair judgment.

We Will Protect Your Best Interests

There are different types of spousal maintenance that a family court judge can award. These include:

• Temporary spousal support lasts for a certain period of time and then stops. This is usually ordered to help a spouse rebuild financially.
• Permanent spousal maintenance lasts until the spouse receiving support gets remarried or when either spouse dies. The court may also terminate permanent spousal support if circumstances change. Permanent alimony is common in long-term marriages where there is unequal earning ability between the spouses, and the dependent spouse is unable to earn enough income to maintain a lifestyle comparable to that enjoyed during the marriage.
• Rehabilitative spousal support provides support to a dependent spouse for training or additional education that will help this spouse support himself or herself. Unlike temporary spousal support, rehabilitative spousal support may be awarded in combination with permanent spousal support. Rehabilitative spousal support can also be extended in some instances.

Spousal maintenance may be modified or reviewed if certain situations arise. Circumstances that may warrant a change in support include drastic financial changes, remarriage, etc.

With the help of our Hoboken spousal support lawyers, you can get your spousal maintenance issues resolved effectively and cost-efficiently.

Why Choose Lofaro & Headley, LLC

When your family’s financial future is at stake, you need a legal team that understands both the law and the personal challenges you’re facing. Our attorneys deliver:

• Over 40 years of combined experience handling spousal support cases in New Jersey
• A track record of securing fair outcomes through negotiation and litigation
• Detailed knowledge of how courts calculate and modify support obligations
• Strategic guidance on tax implications and long-term financial planning
• Personalized attention – we take time to understand your unique circumstances
• Clear communication about your options and realistic expectations

We know spousal support disputes involve more than just numbers. They impact your ability to move forward and rebuild your life. Whether you’re seeking support or concerned about your payment obligations, we provide compassionate yet assertive representation focused on protecting your family’s future and your financial interests while fighting for a sustainable resolution.

How does retirement affect spousal support? 

Retirement is considered a “change in circumstances,” but it does not stop payments automatically. New Jersey distinguishes between “Full Retirement” (reaching Social Security age, currently 67) and “Early Retirement.” For divorces finalized after September 2014, the law presumes alimony will end at 67 unless the receiving spouse can prove they still have a critical need. For early retirement, the payor must prove the choice was made in good faith (e.g., health issues or company downsizing) and is reasonable.

Does cohabitation terminate my obligation?

Under N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23(n), cohabitation is grounds to suspend or end alimony, but you must prove the relationship is “mutually supportive” and “intimate.” Living together is a major factor, but the court also looks for intertwined finances (joint bank accounts), shared household chores, and whether they present themselves as a couple to friends and family. Even if proven, the court may only reduce support if the recipient spouse still has a financial need.

What factors does the court consider for the amount? 

New Jersey courts use 14 statutory factors (N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23(b)). Key elements include:

• The actual financial need and ability to pay.
• The duration of the marriage (marriages under 20 years usually have a limit on how long alimony lasts).
• The standard of living established during the marriage.
• The earning capacity and educational levels of both parties.
• The age and health of the spouses.

A skilled spousal support and alimony lawyer can help you understand how your situation could affect payments.

Can a prenuptial agreement affect support? 

Yes. In New Jersey, you can contractually waive alimony or set a specific amount in a prenup. To be enforceable, the agreement must have been signed voluntarily, with full financial disclosure by both parties, and both must have had the opportunity to consult independent legal counsel. As noted above, the only major exception is if the waiver would force the spouse onto public assistance.

Give Us A Call Today To Learn More

We can meet with you to answer your questions regarding spousal maintenance and any other family law matters. Call 201-467-4020 or use our contact form to schedule an appointment.