Couples who end up in New Jersey divorce courts are no longer likely to face “permanent” alimony, according to a law signed Wednesday evening by Gov. Chris Christie.
Instead, the law institutes “open duration alimony” and stronger guidelines for judges.
For instance, couples married less than 20 years cannot be asked to pay alimony longer than the marriage. Also, ex-spouses may be able to end the payments when they retire or when the ex-spouse receiving the support cohabits with a lover.
The measure was passed with strong bipartisan support, but critics, including some reformers, urged Mr. Christie to veto it, saying it didn’t go far enough.
Women still typically receive alimony payments, but reform groups now include high-earning ex-wives who chafe at making alimony payments, as well as second wives whose lives are affected by their husbands’ alimony payments to a previous spouse.
The reforms do not affect established alimony orders, but some parts of the law may be cited in future requests for alimony modifications.
• Cheryl Wetzstein can be reached at cwetzstein@washingtontimes.com.
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