Can I Receive Alimony Even if My Partner and I Were Never Married?

Though marriage is a sacred bond that many couples choose to share, the truth is, marriage simply isn’t for everyone, and in today’s day and age especially, many people simply choose to live their lives with a life partner without the title of being officially married. Of course, there is nothing wrong with this, though should their relationship ever end, the breakup process may become all the more confusing, especially if they have multiple commingled assets, such as bank accounts. Let’s say you were with the same person for 20 years, and you shared bank accounts, a home, had pets together, and more. Who gets which assets? Is one partner entitled to alimony? These are all good questions, and in the eyes of New Jersey law, many cohabitants will be entitled to alimony. Cohabitation is defined under NJ law 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.” Please continue reading and speak with our New Jersey divorce attorneys to learn more about whether you will qualify for alimony even if you were never married and how our firm can help. Here are some of the questions you may have:

Can I receive alimony payments even if my partner and I were never married?

If you require alimony payments after you and your partner split, the courts will have to examine several factors to determine whether you were truly cohabitants for a significant period of time and whether you qualify. Some of the factors that New Jersey courts will consider when determining whether an unmarried partner can receive alimony are as follows:

• The duration of the couple’s relationship (this is often a significant factor for married couples as well)
• Whether those who knew you, such as friends or family members, consider your relationship legitimate
• Whether both partners were employed and what their yearly salaries were
• Whether both partners shared the cost of living expenses, as well as, of course, whether both partners lived together
• If both partners lived together, they will also consider who performed daily chores
• Whether you have commingled finances, such as shared bank accounts

These are just some of the factors courts will consider, and they will consider additional factors to determine whether you truly qualify for alimony payments. If you have any further questions, give us a call today.

Contact our experienced New Jersey firm

If you require strong legal representation for matters related to divorce or family law, Haber Silver Russoniello & Dunn is here to help. We proudly represent clients in Morris County and throughout the state of New Jersey. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.