Alimony/Spousal Support

Support You Need

Separation from a spouse can cause financial uncertainty both during and after the divorce process. Many times, one spouse will need to provide monthly economic support for the other spouse in the form of an alimony or support payment. Pennsylvania has three types of spousal support/alimony that may be ordered at different stages of the divorce.

1. Spousal support is financial assistance paid by one spouse to the other following a separation. A complaint for spousal support can be filed even if there is no divorce pending. Pennsylvania statutory law provides us with a rigid formula to calculate spousal support. Spousal support may be challenged by one upon the presentation of proof of fault, such as marital misconduct.
2. Alimony pendente lite is temporary support ordered during the time the divorce decree is pending, or, in other words, after the divorce is filed but before the issuance of a final divorce decree. Much like with spousal support, the amount of Alimony Pendente Lite is subject to a formulaic calculation.
3. Alimony is financial support that is ordered when the final divorce decree is entered. This type of post-divorce alimony is calculated based on the court’s analysis of various factors set forth in the statute. Alimony is modifiable if it was based on a court order, but is not modifiable if entered into by out-of-court agreement.

The pursuit or challenge of support and alimony can be a confusing process, and often occurs at times of high-conflict for families. Our experienced attorneys can help provide answers to your questions about alimony in your particular case, or if you are looking to reevaluate your alimony ruling.