As you know, you do not need to be married to have a strong and lasting relationship with another person. In fact, many people simply choose to avoid marriage altogether, though this does not change the fact that they consider each other life partners, that they live together, and that they share many of the same assets, even opening bank accounts together, etc. For this reason, when such a couple’s relationship comes to an end, there may be a lot more to it than simply packing their bags and going separate ways. In New Jersey, cohabitation is defined as, “A mutually supportive, intimate personal relationship in which a couple has undertaken duties and privileges that are commonly associated with marriage or civil union but does not necessarily maintain a single common household.” When a couple meets these standards and they break up, the financially dependent party may require alimony payments to help ensure they can retain their standard of living. Fortunately, in many cases, this party may actually receive alimony payments, even if the two were never officially married. However, to receive them, they must hire a knowledgeable New Jersey family law attorney who has handled such cases in the past. Please continue reading and speak with our firm to learn more.
Can I get alimony if I was never married to my partner?
Fortunately, in many cases, you can receive alimony payments. However, this is far from a given, as New Jersey courts will examine a wide array of factors regarding your relationship, your financial situation, and more. To determine that you were truly cohabitants and that you qualify for alimony, they will consider the following:
- The duration of your relationship
- Whether your families and other acquaintances considered your partnership legitimate
- Whether you and your partner both had jobs, and how much you made at those jobs
- Whether you both shared the cost of living expenses
- Whether your finances are commingled (such as joint bank accounts or shared liabilities)
- Whether you each did chores around the house
- Whether you lived together
These are just some of the factors the court will consider, and they will examine any other factor they deem relevant, which is why you cannot afford to proceed without the assistance of a knowledgeable Bergen County family law attorney who can work to obtain a positive outcome on your behalf.
Contact our experienced Bergen County firm
At Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark, our attorneys have extensive experience helping clients to understand and protect their legal rights before, during, and after the divorce process in towns across New Jersey and Bergen County, including Hackensack, Ridgewood, Paramus, Teaneck, and Fort Lee. To speak with our team of divorce lawyers today in a free and confidential consultation regarding your concerns about your divorce, please contact us online, or through our Hackensack, NJ office at (201) 397-1750.
