How Can New Jersey’s Amended Alimony Law Affect Your Estate Plan?

Recent changes to New Jersey’s alimony law may influence your estate planning strategy. The changes amend N.J.S.2A:34-23 to modify the types of alimony that may be awarded, establish durational limits for alimony awards, and to enumerate certain factors concerning modification and termination of alimony. Alimony payments will now end once the payer reaches the full retirement age of sixty-seven (67) years. If a marriage lasted fewer than twenty years, the payments may last no longer than the length of the marriage.

Furthermore, payments may be suspended or terminated if the recipient is living with a partner. Wide flexibility for exceptions and special considerations are granted to the judge reviewing or granting alimony. Clients often consider alimony payments when creating their estate plan. Under the new law, a beneficiary’s distribution from your will may have an impact on his or her obligation to pay, or ability to receive, alimony.

To review your estate plan, contact Mary Ann Pidgeon at (609) 520-1010.