Alimony · New Jersey · Caps or time limits
Alimony in New Jersey
New Jersey courts choose among open durational, rehabilitative, limited duration and reimbursement alimony after weighing 14 statutory factors; there is no amount formula. For marriages or civil unions under 20 years, total alimony generally may not last longer than the marriage, except in exceptional circumstances.[1]
Key facts: alimony in New Jersey
| How the law sets it | Caps or time limits[1] |
|---|---|
| Key rule | Up to the length of the marriage (marriages under 20 years)[1] |
| Law last checked | October 26, 2026 |
The key limit
Up to the length of the marriage (marriages under 20 years)[1]
New Jersey law sets limits but no formula for the amount, so there's nothing to calculate: the court decides within them.
From the official text
What New Jersey law says about alimony
Plain-English summaries of New Jersey’s statute and court rules as of the date shown on each, with the quoted text. Not legal advice: laws change and courts apply them case by case.
The statute
N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23, as amended by P.L.2014, c.42
The main alimony statute: the court weighs 14 listed factors.[1]
N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23, as amended by P.L.2014, c.42 · checked October 26, 2026
Show statute text
“the court may award one or more of the following types of alimony: open durational alimony; rehabilitative alimony; limited duration alimony or reimbursement alimony to either party. In so doing the court shall consider, but not be limited to, the following factors:”
How long it lasts
Up to the length of the marriage (marriages under 20 years)
For a marriage or civil union shorter than 20 years, the total length of alimony may not exceed the length of the marriage unless exceptional circumstances apply.[1]
N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23(c) · checked October 26, 2026
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“For any marriage or civil union less than 20 years in duration, the total duration of alimony shall not, except in exceptional circumstances, exceed the length of the marriage or civil union.”
When it ends
Presumed to end at the payer’s full retirement age
There is a rebuttable presumption that alimony ends when the paying spouse reaches full Social Security retirement age; the court can set a different date for good cause.[1]
N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23(j)(1) · checked October 26, 2026
Show statute text
“There shall be a rebuttable presumption that alimony shall terminate upon the obligor spouse or partner attaining full retirement age, except that any arrearages that have accrued prior to the termination date shall not be vacated or annulled.”
Changing an order
Limited-duration term changed only in unusual circumstances
The amount of limited duration alimony can be modified for changed circumstances, but its length only in unusual circumstances.[1]
N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23(c) · checked October 26, 2026
Show statute text
“The court may modify the amount of such an award, but shall not modify the length of the term except in unusual circumstances.”
Divorce in New Jersey: waiting period, residency and property rules →
Questions about alimony in New Jersey
Is there an alimony calculator for New Jersey?
No. New Jersey law doesn't set alimony by formula: new Jersey courts choose among open durational, rehabilitative, limited duration and reimbursement alimony after weighing 14 statutory factors; there is no amount formula. For marriages or civil unions under 20 years, total alimony generally may not last longer than the marriage, except in exceptional circumstances. — N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23, as amended by P.L.2014, c.42[1]
How long does alimony last in New Jersey?
For a marriage or civil union shorter than 20 years, the total length of alimony may not exceed the length of the marriage unless exceptional circumstances apply. — N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23(c)[1]
When does alimony end in New Jersey?
There is a rebuttable presumption that alimony ends when the paying spouse reaches full Social Security retirement age; the court can set a different date for good cause. — N.J.S.A. 2A:34-23(j)(1)[1]
States with an alimony formula
Not legal advice. MediationList is a directory of court-listed mediators, not a law firm, and doesn’t endorse any mediator. Summaries follow the official text as of the date checked; courts apply it case by case.
Sources
New Jersey’s statute and court rules, read on the official site, with the date we checked each.