How could employment affect spousal support payments?

Pennsylvania residents may request a court order to receive regular spousal support payments. If at the time of your divorce, you or your soon-to-be ex-spouse cannot work, the family court may award financial assistance.

As noted by SmartAsset, a judge reviews several factors to determine a reasonable payment amount that you could either pay or receive. You may provide details regarding income and expenses and how they could affect you after the divorce.

What may a judge consider when deciding on support payments?

Before deciding on a reasonable spousal support arrangement, a judge may consider your marriage length and history. The court may ask about age, health and medical conditions. A spouse experiencing health issues, for example, may not have the ability to return to work. A judge may also consider inheritances or insurance policies that may affect spousal support payments.

A non-working spouse may request the court to order financial support from a working spouse. Remaining home to care for children, for example, has a value, which a judge may consider when deciding on a payment amount. Contributions made to a spouse’s education or business may also factor into a judge’s spousal support decision.

When may a spouse request a change?

Spousal support generally reflects a payment amount written into a decree based on factors during the time of divorce. If circumstances change, however, either spouse may ask the court for a change in the payment amount or schedule. To request modifications to a court’s support order, both parties need to agree on them, as noted by the Montgomery County website.

Divorce may include support requests and a judge may review each spouse’s circumstances. An ex-spouse may, however, experience unexpected post-divorce lifestyle changes, such as an illness or a job loss. In such cases, an ex-spouse may request modifying the support amount to accommodate new circumstances.

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