What Types of Alimony are Available in Pennsylvania?

Generally speaking, alimony refers to payments made by a higher-earning spouse to a lower-earning spouse after divorce. In Pennsylvania, though, support payments are a bit more complex, as the courts may award spousal support as well as alimony. In other states, these two words are often used interchangeably. In Pennsylvania, though, the terms ‘spousal support’ and ‘alimony’ have different meanings. Below, our Lehighton family law attorney explains in greater detail.

Spousal Support

In the Keystone State, spousal support refers to payments made by one spouse to a lower-earning spouse once the couple has legally separated but before either spouse has filed for divorce. A spouse can pursue spousal support if they did not engage in any marital wrongdoing that caused the breakdown of the marital relationship.

To determine the amount of spousal support to be paid, a percentage of the recipient’s income is subtracted from a percentage of the higher-earning spouse’s income. After a legal separation, a family law attorney can help you calculate the amount of spousal support that may be available.

Alimony Pendente Lite 

Alimony pendente lite is a temporary form of alimony that may be awarded to one spouse. Alimony pendente lite is awarded after one spouse files for divorce but before the terms of the case have been finalized.

This type of alimony is typically available if one spouse did not work during the marriage but instead, maintained the home and cared for the children. Alimony pendente lite is then awarded to provide the financial support they received from their spouse during the marriage. Alimony pendente lite can also include court costs and legal fees.

Alimony 

Alimony is sometimes awarded as part of the final divorce decree and can be temporary or long-term. Temporary alimony, also referred to as rehabilitative alimony, is awarded to a lower-earning spouse to help them reestablish themselves in the workforce. Rehabilitative alimony can help a person pay for school or training to prepare them for returning to work full-time.

Long-term alimony often does not have an expiration date. Instead, it is open-ended and is usually only terminated when there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as when the recipient remarries. This type of alimony is usually only awarded when the spouses have been married for a long period of time and the recipient spouse sacrificed their career to care for children the spouses shared together.

Our Family Law Attorney in Lehighton Can Advise On Your Case

There are many contentious terms in any divorce case, and alimony is just one of them. Whether you need to pursue alimony before, during, or after a divorce, or you need to fight against unfair claims for it, our Lehighton family law attorney can help. At The Law Office of Kim M. Gillen, P.C., our seasoned attorney can advise on the type of alimony you may be eligible for, calculate an estimated amount you can receive, and answer all of your questions so you can make informed decisions. Call us now at 484-613-0011 or contact us online to request a consultation and to get the legal help you need.

Source:

legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/23/00.037.001.000..HTM