The recent divorce of a Ridgewood NJ couple has sparked change in the way New Jersey judges must consider the allocation of alimony. The NJ State Supreme Court recently ruled that judges have to consider circumstances beyond length of marriage in their alimony determinations. New Jersey’s highest court weighed in on a lower-court ruling which stated that the wife of Deutsch Bank CFO James Gnall was not entitled to permanent alimony because of factors like the couple’s age, the amount of time they’ve been married and Mrs. Gnall’s education level and ability to earn a living.
The high court ruled that the original judge focused too much on the duration of the marriage. Additionally, the court said that judges should consider all factors under the state law in making their alimony decision. So what does this mean for you if you’re planning on getting divorced? The court’s ruling recognizes that no two divorces are identical and that, while there are certain factors under the law to be considered, a judge must look at your individual circumstances in an effort to come up with a rational, realistic and effective resolution to finalize the matter in court.
Unfortunately, the nuances of divorce law can be confusing and overwhelming, and in such a highly emotional situation, people can easily wind up taking advantage of one another. If it’s become clear that your marriage is nearing an end, whether it’s after 15 days or 15 years, you need an experienced and qualified divorce attorney to help you through the process and ensure you get fair treatment under the law. The quality of your representation can easily impact the rest of your life, including how much money you have to live on each month and the amount of time you get to spend with your kids.
For many years, Graziano & Flynn has been helping clients in New Jersey move through their divorces in minimal time and without collateral damage. Contact us today for a free consultation so we can begin to protect your interests regarding spousal support, child custody and more.
