If you’re reading this post, it’s more than likely that you’re contemplating divorce, or contemplated it at some point recently. You likely have countless questions – how long will the process take? Will I lose everything I own? Am I entitled to alimony? How much child support will I have to pay? What will happen to my kids? Can I relocate out of state closer to my family? Can I force my spouse to move out of our house? Will I get to keep my home? What will happen to my retirement accounts? And many, many more.
The answers to each of those questions will depend on your specific situation. Do not rely on your neighbor or friend’s experiences to guide you through the process. For instance, examining alimony and child support, just two of the questions in the above list, can produce multiple possibilities.
In New Jersey, there is no set formula for calculating alimony. Your alimony award or obligation will depend on multiple factors, including your and your spouse’s respective incomes, the payor’s ability to pay, and the payee’s actual need. Also relevant is the length of your marriage and the standard of living established during your marriage.
Similarly, child support will also depend on a number of factors, including respective incomes, the extent of parenting time enjoyed by the payor parent, and the cost of health insurance. There is a formula for a base figure for child support, so be sure to consult with an attorney in order to determine whether you are entitled to more than just the base amount.
It is not recommended that you attempt this undertaking on your own. Divorce proceedings can be lengthy and stressful and going through it without an attorney by your side to explain each step can become daunting and unmanageable. An experienced attorney managing the process can mean the difference between a swift, successful resolution and a long drawn-out nightmare.
Be sure to consult with a family law attorney prior to filing your Complaint for Divorce. Birz Law, LLC is dedicated to working with you and for you to get the results you want.