Spousal Support & Alimony in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we represent clients in spousal support and alimony matters with discretion, strategic insight, and deep knowledge of the law. Whether you are seeking financial support or being asked to pay it, the outcome of an alimony dispute can have a lasting impact on your financial stability and post-divorce future. Our attorneys understand what’s at stake and work closely with clients to develop solutions that are legally sound, fair, and designed to protect long-term interests.

What Is Spousal Support?

Spousal support refers to court-ordered financial payments made by one spouse to the other after separation or divorce. Commonly referred to as alimony in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, this support is designed to ensure that a lower-earning or non-earning spouse is not left at a severe financial disadvantage after the marriage ends.

Spousal support is not automatic. Courts consider a range of factors to determine whether support is appropriate, how much should be paid, and for how long. Both New Jersey and Pennsylvania have specific guidelines, but the court retains discretion to tailor support orders to each couple’s unique circumstances.

Types of Alimony in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

In New Jersey, the primary forms of alimony are:

• Open Durational Alimony (for long-term marriages)
• Limited Duration Alimony
• Rehabilitative Alimony
• Reimbursement Alimony

You can review these in more detail under N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:34-23.

In Pennsylvania, spousal support is categorized as:

• Spousal Support (before divorce is final)
• Alimony Pendente Lite (APL) (temporary support during litigation)
• Post-Divorce Alimony (ongoing support after the decree)

Statutory factors are listed in 23 Pa.C.S. § 3701.

How Courts Determine Alimony

There is no one-size-fits-all formula for alimony. Instead, courts evaluate numerous factors to determine what is fair, including:

• Length of the marriage
• Age and health of both parties
• Each party’s income and earning capacity
• Child custody responsibilities
• Standard of living during the marriage
• Financial and non-financial contributions to the marriage
• Any history of domestic violence

Courts aim to avoid financial hardship for either spouse while balancing the principle of self-sufficiency. Our role is to ensure your voice is heard and the evidence supports your position.

Modifying or Terminating Spousal Support

Alimony orders are not always permanent. If there’s a substantial change in circumstances — such as job loss, remarriage, or retirement — the court may modify or terminate support. We help clients:

• Petition for downward or upward modification
• Enforce unpaid spousal support
• Challenge improper modification attempts
• Analyze the impact of cohabitation on alimony termination

Timeliness and strategic presentation are critical when seeking or opposing a change in support orders.

Our Approach to Spousal Support Cases

Ratliff Jackson LLP represents both payors and recipients of spousal support in divorce proceedings, post-judgment disputes, and support enforcement actions. Our attorneys bring:

• A clear understanding of financial statements, income tracing, and imputed income arguments
• Strategic experience in litigating complex support claims
• A settlement-oriented mindset when possible — and trial readiness when necessary
• Discretion and clarity when navigating sensitive financial negotiations

Whether you’re protecting your ability to maintain your lifestyle or pushing back against an unreasonable support demand, we’re ready to advocate on your behalf.

Protect Your Financial Future with Strategic Legal Guidance

Don’t let uncertainty decide your financial stability. Whether you’re seeking fair support or defending against excessive claims, Ratliff Jackson LLP can help you build a strong case grounded in law and tailored to your real-world needs. Our attorneys understand the complexities of alimony law in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania and will guide you through every step of the process with discretion and strategic clarity.

To schedule a confidential consultation, call 856-209-3111 or visit our consultation request page. Our office is located at 811 Church Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ 08002, and we proudly serve clients throughout South Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spousal Support

Can alimony be waived in a prenuptial agreement?
Yes. Both New Jersey and Pennsylvania allow parties to waive alimony in a valid prenuptial agreement. However, the waiver must be voluntary and based on full financial disclosure to be enforceable.

How long does spousal support last?
The duration depends on many factors, including the length of the marriage and the type of alimony awarded. In NJ, open durational alimony is typically reserved for marriages over 20 years. Limited-duration alimony is more common in shorter marriages. In PA, support generally ends upon remarriage or after a set period defined by the court.

What happens if my ex-spouse stops paying court-ordered support?
You may petition the court to enforce the order. Enforcement options include wage garnishment, asset seizure, contempt of court, or even suspension of the delinquent party’s driver’s license in serious cases.

Can I get alimony if I was in a domestic partnership or long-term cohabitation?
In most cases, alimony is reserved for legal marriages. However, financial relief may be available through other legal theories such as unjust enrichment or palimony — but these are complex and fact-specific. Contact us to discuss your options.

Does spousal support end if I live with someone new?
Cohabitation can trigger a review or termination of alimony in both NJ and PA. Courts look at shared finances, living arrangements, and the nature of the relationship. Simply dating or having overnight guests does not automatically terminate support.

Is spousal support tax-deductible?
For divorce or separation agreements executed after December 31, 2018, alimony is no longer tax-deductible to the payor or reportable as income to the recipient under federal tax law. Agreements signed before that date may still follow the old rules unless modified.