19 Feb Will I get alimony if I went back to work?

Q. I’m getting a divorce. I haven’t gotten a lawyer or told my spouse yet, and I’m concerned about alimony. After staying home to raise the kids, I finally went back to work last year. Does that mean I won’t get alimony? We have been married for 23 years.
— Trying to plan

A. We’re sorry to hear your marriage isn’t working out.

There are several items to consider.

When you have been married for more than 20 years, courts would award you what is known as open durational alimony, which means it continues but could be modified in the future. Your spouse would need to ask for a modification, said Jody D’Agostini, a certified financial planner with The Falcon Financial Group in Morristown.

Alimony is determined by both your financial situations inclusive of your current incomes, education achieved, work and earnings history and other work-related skills, she said.

“The goal is to have each spouse try to maintain as close as possible the marital lifestyle, which is not always achievable especially in a high cost of living state such as New Jersey,” she said.

They consider assets that are divided by equitable distribution which may contribute to earned income. Other factors come into play such as the need to go back to school for further education to increase your future earning capacity, any health issues for either party, as well as parental responsibilities, she said.

“The fact that you returned to work and are earning an income is only one component. This could help your overall financial picture as your human capital, and what you can contribute for the future gives you control in this difficult time,” she said. “It is important to look for a work situation that will meet your future needs and not just one that provides a paycheck.”

You might consider getting a financial plan to see what the financial impact will look like, D’Agostini said.

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This story was originally published in February 2026. 

NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.