In New Jersey, a judge may order alimony for either spouse.   The court will generally consider such factors as:

• The actual need and ability of the parties to pay
• The length of the marriage
• The age and physical and emotional health of the parties
• The standard of living established in the marriage and the likelihood that each party can maintain a reasonably comparable standard of living
• The earning capacities, educational levels, vocational skills, and employability of the parties
• The length of absence from the job market of the party seeking alimony
• The parental responsibilities for the children
• The time and expense necessary for the party seeking alimony to acquire the education, training or job experience necessary to qualify the party to obtain appropriate employment, and the opportunity for future acquisitions of capital assets and income
• The history of financial or non-financial contributions to the marriage by each party including contributions to the care and education of the children and interruption of personal careers or educational opportunities
• How the marital property is being equitably distributed
• The income available to either party through investment of any assets held by that party
• The tax consequences of alimony

A court can order temporary support while the divorce is pending, which is called Pendente Lite relief.   Most spousal support is ordered for a specific length of time, however, it can be permanent. Once ordered, it can be modified only upon a showing of a "change in circumstances" of either or both parties. 
For more information on alimony, please schedule a free initial consultation at 856-210-2107.