ALIMONY AND CHILD SUPPORT

Alimony in New Jersey is based on the Court’s obligation to try to maintain your wife’s standard of living.  The Court has this obligation because the New Jersey Legislature has made it clear that “you” not the “State of New Jersey” are responsible to support your wife and children. (The law is partially based upon the State’s need to balance its budget). Unfortunately, it is impossible to maintain the exact same standard of living when your expenses double because there are now two households to support, so you must fight hard and smart to keep what you work so hard for.

There are also different types of Alimony. “Permanent Alimony” is paid when you have a long term marriage (over 10 years). “Rehabilitative” or “Temporary” Alimony is paid when you do not have a long term marriage but your wife need some support to get on her feet. In some cases, there will be no Alimony, where your wife earns as much as you or does not need your support to maintain her lifestyle. Sometimes, the Court will order what is called: “Reimbursement Alimony.” This is common in scenarios when your wife has given you money for an advanced degree and given up advancing in her career (ie: in circumstances when someone becomes a Physician and then immediately leaves their wife for a young nurse).

One of the most important things to fight alimony is to get the Court to impute income to your wife. This is done if your wife is not working but has the capacity to earn a living. In this case, I will refer you to a vocational expert to write a report to show that your wife could be earning money or more money than she claims. In some cases, I can help you completely wipe out any alimony claim by your wife.

Child support in New Jersey is based on standardized percentages which are usually calculated using a computer program. It is important to know that Alimony is tax deductible but child support is not.

Books have been written about Alimony and Child Support, but each case is different.

GET THE BENEFIT OF EXPERIENCE ON YOUR SIDE

For over 20 years, attorney Michael Berkley has aggressively represented fathers who face all kinds of marital disputes, and Mr. Berkley has effectively and timely resolved their cases. He will take the time to advise you on your rights and obligations. An effective negotiator and trial attorney, Mr. Berkley will explore all methods of resolving your case to avert costly and time-consuming litigation. Should negotiation prove unsuccessful, however, Mr. Berkley is ready with an “iron legal fist” to protect your best interests in court.

FIND OUT WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU

Call (201) 525-1666 to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced father’s rights lawyer. Our phone is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For your convenience, evening and weekend appointments are available.

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Law Offices of Michael P. Berkley Esq., P.C.

New Jersey Office:
55 State St.
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Tel: (201) 525-1666
Fax: (201) 525-1669

New York Office:
585 Stewart Ave., Ste. 700
Garden City, NY 11530
Tel: (516) 227-2121
Fax: (516) 227-1250