Blog: Spousal Support
- What kind of spousal support should I expect?
Oct 3, 2024
It can be devastating after you have dedicated everything to being someone’s spouse, only to receive divorce papers decades later. You have forfeited your career, skipped past all potential milestones, and are at the stage in your life where starting again seems impossible. How can you support yourself when you have depended on your spouse for everything during the marriage? How can I support myself during the divorce? Depending on certain factors, many in Pennsylvania...Read More - Temporary versus permanent alimony
Sep 9, 2024
Going through a divorce is undeniably challenging. You must consider countless things, from child custody to the division of assets, and one of the most significant aspects is alimony. Understanding alimony or spousal support is crucial regardless of the reasons behind your separation. Courts can award alimony in two primary ways: temporary or permanent. Each serves a different purpose and is granted under various circumstances. How can I obtain permanent alimony? Permanent alimony, while relatively...Read More - Can you and your former spouse agree on alimony?
May 30, 2024
Alimony is one of the most common and contentious issues that arise during a divorce. Nonetheless, not all divorcing spouses disagree on this matter, and, at times, some want to settle the issue amicably to avoid prolonged and unnecessarily costly proceedings. In this case, parties often wonder if they can agree and settle the terms of the alimony between themselves and without the court’s direct intervention. Yes, you can decide on alimony terms on your...Read More - 4 reasons why Pennsylvania courts may not award alimony
Mar 22, 2024
While alimony is not automatically granted in every divorce case, there may be specific situations that make the courts not award them at all. Here are some specific circumstances under which Pennsylvania courts might not award alimony: Short-lived marriages: If a marriage was brief, courts may deem alimony unnecessary because each party could return to the financial state they were in before the marriage without undue hardship. Self-supporting spouses: If both parties are capable of...Read More - How long does alimony pendente lite last in Pennsylvania?
Feb 14, 2024
Going through a divorce is challenging enough without the added strain of financial concerns. Alimony pendente lite provides some relief. This type of court-ordered support during a divorce case in Pennsylvania ensures fairness by enabling the lower-income spouse to afford the legal costs of the divorce. One of the frequent questions asked is: How long does alimony pendente lite last? Determining the duration of support By its very nature, alimony pendente lite is temporary. Courts...Read More - How does child support influence spousal support award?
Jan 18, 2024
Generally, child support and spousal support are two distinct legal obligations during a divorce or separation. However, there are instances wherein child support influence spousal support. In Pennsylvania, several factors determine the calculation of spousal support, including whether child support is being paid. Below are some ways child support payments affect spousal support determination. Considering available income When calculating spousal support, the courts consider the income and earning potential of both spouses. If one spouse...Read More - What should you know about accepting alimony payments?
Apr 26, 2023
Alimony can help you get back on your feet after a divorce. If your role in the marriage was to take care of the home and raise children, you might lack earning power at the time of your split. While spousal support can ease some of your financial strain, it is important to take proactive steps to rebuild. Using your alimony wisely can make a difference in your long-term well-being. Do not rely on alimony...Read More - Does every divorce require an alimony award?
Jan 18, 2023
Not every divorce will include an award of alimony. The court has the right to order payment in every case, but the judge must consider the need and make the judgment based on specific factors. Pennsylvania law outlines what a judge must consider when deciding if spousal support is a need in a case. Self-support One of the important factors a judge will look at is whether the spouse requesting support needs it. Need often...Read More - What are the consequences of not paying alimony?
Nov 21, 2022
When the court orders you to pay spousal support in your divorce decree, it is not voluntary. You have a legal obligation to pay according to the terms set by the judge. Pennsylvania law arms judges with options for handling someone who does not abide by an alimony order. Knowing what could happen is important to ensure you do not find yourself in a bad situation. Monetary consequences To begin, no matter whether you pay...Read More - Looking at alimony pendente lite
Sep 21, 2022
Whether you expect to owe alimony or receive these payments, it is pivotal to familiarize yourself with various legal issues related to spousal support during your divorce. In fact, some people have to pay alimony before the divorce becomes finalized, which the courts refer to as alimony pendente lite. It is important to go over a number of topics related to alimony pendente lite, and you should also focus on other spousal support considerations during...Read More