Divorce can be a challenging process for anyone, but when it comes to high-profile divorces, things tend to get even more complicated. In New Jersey, the laws surrounding divorce, especially alimony awards, are designed to ensure fairness. However, in high-profile cases involving wealthy individuals, businesses, and large financial assets, determining alimony can be more complex. High-profile divorces, which often involve public figures or individuals with significant financial resources, bring unique factors that influence alimony decisions. These factors can range from lifestyle expectations to the presence of prenuptial agreements. Understanding how these elements come into play is important, as it sheds light on why some alimony awards might differ from what people expect. Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney at Law provides skilled legal guidance and personalized strategies to navigate the complexities of high-profile divorces while protecting her clients’ privacy and interests.
What is Alimony?
Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a payment one spouse may be ordered to make to the other after a divorce. In New Jersey, the purpose of alimony is to provide financial support to the spouse who may be at a disadvantage after the divorce. The goal is to allow the supported spouse time to adjust to life after marriage and become self-sufficient. Alimony helps maintain a standard of living similar to what was enjoyed during the marriage. However, determining the right amount and length of alimony payments depends on several factors, and this can be especially true in high-profile divorces.
Financial Discrepancies in High-Profile Divorces
In high-profile divorces, one of the main challenges lies in assessing the wealth and income of both parties. The financial situation in these cases is usually more complex than in a typical divorce. For example, there may be multiple sources of income, including investments, real estate holdings, and business ownerships. In some cases, one spouse may try to hide or undervalue assets, making it harder to determine the true financial picture. This leads to a more in-depth investigation into the financial situation of both spouses, with the goal of ensuring that all assets are disclosed. Financial discrepancies in high-profile divorces make it difficult to calculate a fair alimony award, as the court must first get an accurate understanding of both parties’ true financial standings.
More than an accomplished divorce and family law attorney, Tanya L. Freeman, is a consummate professional with a wealth of corporate and life experience. Known as a leader and strategist, Tanya L. Freeman was appointed by the Governor of New Jersey as Chair of the Board of Directors of the University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey. Tanya L. Freeman also presents among the ranks of public speakers. She captivates and inspires professional groups nationwide. "Tanya has the eloquence and oratory brilliance with the ability to forge deep connections with her listeners."
Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney at Law
Managing Partner of the Family Law Practice at Callagy Law
Lifestyle Expectations and Alimony
One of the most significant factors influencing alimony in high-profile divorces is the lifestyle that the couple maintained during their marriage. When a couple enjoys a very high standard of living, the court may consider this when determining alimony awards. This is because the goal of alimony is to allow both spouses to maintain a lifestyle as close as possible to what they experienced while married. In some cases, this can lead to significant alimony payments, especially if one spouse is unable to support themselves at that same level after the divorce. For example, if one spouse is a high-earning individual, such as a successful businessperson or entertainer, the court may award alimony that reflects the level of luxury the couple enjoyed during their marriage. This includes things like vacations, private schools, and other significant expenses.
Prenuptial Agreements and Their Impact on Alimony
In high-profile marriages, prenuptial agreements are often used to protect financial assets in the event of a divorce. These agreements can play a major role in determining alimony awards. A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract signed before the marriage that outlines how assets will be divided if the marriage ends. It may also specify whether alimony will be awarded and, if so, how much. In some cases, a prenuptial agreement may state that no alimony will be paid at all. However, these agreements are not always ironclad. If one spouse can prove that the prenuptial agreement was signed under duress, or if the terms are found to be unfair, the court may decide to invalidate the agreement, which can change the alimony outcome. In high-profile divorces, where large sums of money are at stake, prenuptial agreements are often contested, leading to long legal battles over alimony.
I was very fortunate to find Tanya online during an urgent family matter. I was able to speak with her on our situation and she immediately jumped on the case the same day. I was impressed at her knowledge and her team as they were able to answer questions on the spot and navigate through an unpleasant situation. Her honesty and responsiveness have made this process much easier, and the support she has provided has truly gone above my expectation of a family law firm. This is truly an exceptional firm & I would highly recommend.” - Lydia Martinez My father recently hired Tanya Freeman; Family Law Attorney and her team as a replacement to handle his divorce which has been going nowhere for over 3 years with a different attorney. Tanya and her team have done so much within just a few months for his trial and has given my father a new sense of hope. The team is always quick to respond to any questions. The case is still ongoing, however, my father has newly restored confidence that he will be treated fairly and with his best interest in mind. We definitely recommend Tanya Freeman; Family Law Attorney." - Molly Howard Tanya is an outstanding attorney! Her attentiveness to detail and willingness to be honest with her clients means you’re going to get the best possible outcome for your case. She and her team went above and beyond, making sure my divorce and custody case ended neatly and in the best interest of my children. Her pricing is reasonable and she’s willing to work with you. I highly recommend Tanya Freeman to anyone going through a divorce or family law case!" - Jenifer Mckinney
Public Scrutiny and Emotional Stress
Another aspect of high-profile divorces that can influence alimony awards is the added emotional stress and public scrutiny that comes with the process. High-profile divorces often receive significant media attention, which can put pressure on both parties. The stress of going through a divorce in the public eye may cause one spouse to agree to a higher alimony award simply to avoid a prolonged legal battle or further media exposure. Public scrutiny can also impact the court’s decisions, as the court may seek to ensure that the divorce is settled in a way that appears fair to both parties, especially when the case is being watched by the public. Emotional stress can make an already difficult process even more challenging, particularly when large sums of money are involved.
Role of Child Custody in Alimony Decisions
In many high-profile divorces, child custody also plays a role in alimony decisions. If one spouse is awarded primary custody of the children, the court may decide that additional financial support is necessary to ensure the children maintain the same standard of living they had before the divorce. This can result in higher alimony awards, as the court seeks to provide for both the spouse and the children. In some cases, the spouse with primary custody may need to move into a larger home or take on additional expenses to care for the children, which can influence the amount of alimony awarded. In high-profile cases, where the couple’s children may attend private schools or participate in expensive extracurricular activities, these costs are considered when determining alimony awards.
Related Videos
Length of Marriage and Its Impact on Alimony
Another important factor in high-profile divorce cases is the length of the marriage. In New Jersey, the length of the marriage can influence the duration of alimony payments. For shorter marriages, the court may award alimony for a limited time to allow the supported spouse to become self-sufficient. However, in cases of long-term marriages, especially those lasting 20 years or more, the court may award permanent or open-duration alimony. In high-profile divorces, the length of the marriage is particularly relevant because long marriages often involve more intertwined financial situations. This makes it harder to separate assets and income, leading to higher alimony payments in many cases.
High-profile divorces bring unique challenges, especially when it comes to determining fair alimony awards. The financial complexity, lifestyle expectations, and added pressure of public scrutiny all influence the court’s decisions. These factors make it essential for both parties in a high-profile divorce to seek legal guidance to navigate the process effectively. Whether it’s reviewing prenuptial agreements or presenting a clear financial picture, having an experienced legal team can make a significant difference in the outcome of the divorce, particularly when it comes to alimony.
If you are facing a high-profile divorce in New Jersey and are concerned about how it may impact alimony awards, it is crucial to work with an attorney who understands the unique complexities of these cases. At Tanya L. Freeman, Attorney at Law, we are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the legal process with care and professionalism. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get the legal guidance you need.