Cape May County is at the southernmost point of New Jersey and has a population of over 95,000 residents. The residents of the county are served in all legal matters by the Cape May County Superior Court. The court's Family Division oversees all matters of Family Law, including the issues of child support and alimony. While these proceedings are typically related closely to divorce cases, child support can be addressed as custody or paternity is addressed and settled.
Child Support In Cape May County
In Cape May County, child support is typically filed in one of two ways, depending on a person's custody status. If a parent has sole custody of a child, they must file for child support with a Sole Parenting Worksheet. If parents are sharing custody of a child, then a Shared Parenting Worksheet must be utilized. In many cases of sole custody, the responsibilities and financial strain on the sole parent is higher than that of parents who share custody. New Jersey law expects both parents to provide support for the child, however, sole parents may receive more financial support as their obligation to the child is higher. Determinations on child support are made based upon both parents' income, as well as their combined net expenses. Any special considerations for children, such as unusual or difficult medical conditions, will also be factored in. Child support can be requested outside of a divorce, provided that paternity or custody has been established.
Alimony In Cape May County
In Cape May County, alimony can be assigned in one of several forms. The most common form of alimony is temporary alimony, sometimes referred to as alimony pendete lite (APL). This is a form of alimony meant to support a spouse during the divorce process. There is also a form known as limited duration alimony, which supports a spouse after the divorce for a short period of time until the spouse can support themselves. More uncommon forms include permanent alimony, reimbursement alimony, and rehabilitative alimony. These forms are more situational in nature. Permanent alimony is assigned for spouses who have given up career or educational goals in order to preserve the marriage. Reimbursement alimony is for spouses who helped their partner through education but divorced before being able to see the benefits of that education. Finally, rehabilitative alimony is for spouses who must receive services for substance abuse. Alimony is determined by a number of factors, some of which include the ages of the spouses, the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, the incomes of both spouses, and any "faults" in a fault divorce. Alimony must be requested with divorce proceedings.
Contact a New Jersey Family Law Attorney Today
If you or a loved one is involved in child support or alimony proceedings in Cape May County, contact attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
