Understanding Post-Divorce Modifications and Challenges in New Jersey
While the entry of a Judgment of Divorce (JOD) is the formal conclusion of a marriage, it is not always a permanent end of a couple's court proceedings. When one party is required to pay their former partner spousal support (a.k.a. alimony), post-judgment disputes about termination of alimony often arise. A recent Appellate Division case, Voynick v. Voynick, shed new light on the grounds for termination of alimony, and clarified the broad powers the court has to modify or terminate support after a JOD has been entered. Voynick makes clear that under NJ law the party paying alimony can pursue termination (or modification) on the basis that the former spouse has enough funds that they no longer need support, or that they had the ability to save enough such that support should no longer be paid.