Negotiating spousal support is never a simple or easy process, but many breadwinners make very common mistakes that can harm their interests in the long run. Knowing what those mistakes are can help men and women avoid choosing the same path and experiencing the same outcome. New Jersey spouses should take the time to think about the long-term ramifications of making hasty or ill-advised alimony decisions.
One common mistake involves focusing more on getting things over with than the ultimate bottom line. Many spouses who know they are going to have to pay spousal support want to handle those payments in one lump sum, or in a series of larger payments over a short period of time. That is often a mistake, as most alimony agreements state that payments end when the receiving party remarries or begins cohabitating.
Another error is failing to secure the services of outside professionals, like a vocational rehabilitationist. These pros meet with the other spouse to determine his or her earning potential and likely career path. Having that information can show the court that a spouse will not be dependent on alimony for a prolonged period of time.
For those in New Jersey who are preparing for divorce, planning for alimony negotiations can go a long way toward avoiding these and other common mistakes. The final outcome of alimony negotiations will shape the financial futures of both parties, which is why it’s so important to take a careful and well-informed approach. Alimony should be a fair path for both parties, and not a form of punishment or revenge.
