Are You Entitled To Alimony?

At Palange & Endres, P.C., our family law attorneys bring more than 60 years of combined experience to divorce and support matters in Pennsylvania. We help clients understand the differences between spousal support, alimony pendente lite and alimony, and we guide them through each stage with clear advice.

Whether you expect to request support or respond to a claim, we work to protect your financial interests and help you make informed decisions.

Alimony In Pennsyvlania

In Pennsylvania, three options are available in terms of support and alimony:

• Spousal support: Provides interim relief while a divorce or separation is pending. This support is not automatic, and entitlement defense needs to be raised.
• Alimony pendente lite (APL): Provides interim relief while a divorce action is pending. APL support must be requested as part of the divorce action, preventing the higher earning spouse from raising defenses.
• Alimony: Provides for permanent support after a divorce becomes final.

Spousal support is determined based on the income shares model, which combines the net monthly incomes of spouses. Once the parties’ combined net monthly income is determined, the Pennsylvania Support Guidelines are applied and a guideline support amount is calculated.

Alimony payments, on the other hand, are often just one piece of equitable distribution. This makes determining the amount a lot less objective, as a wide range of factors are considered along with income.

How Pennsylvania Approaches Spousal Support And Alimony

In Pennsylvania, spousal support and APL usually begin with guideline calculations based on the parties’ monthly net incomes. In many cases, the court looks at income, certain allowable deductions and other support obligations before applying the guideline formula.

In higher income cases, the court may use a different guideline approach to reach a preliminary amount. Post-divorce alimony works differently. Instead of using one set formula, the court decides whether alimony is necessary and then considers many factors such as the length of the marriage, the parties’ earning capacities, their ages, their health and their standard of living during the marriage. Because of that, what to expect in an alimony case often depends on the specific facts, not just the numbers.

At Palange & Endres, P.C., we represent clients for a wide range of spousal support and alimony concerns. Whether you are requesting temporary or permanent support or defending against it, our attorneys will fight for your best interests and provide the advice and guidance needed to make the process flow as smoothly as possible.

Contact us today to schedule an initial appointment with one of our experienced divorce lawyers.

Protect Your Financial Future With Experienced Divorce Counsel

In some cases, income is not easy to determine. The determination of income for support purposes may have a significant impact on awards of alimony and equitable distribution, so obtaining an accurate assessment of a spouse’s income is crucial to your case.

Whether you need a Reading attorney for alimony or spousal support, we are fully prepared to assist you. With more than 60 years of combined experience, our attorneys are skilled at dealing with complex income analysis, including for individuals who are business owners, partners or sole proprietors.

To schedule an initial appointment, contact us today at 610-674-0712 or toll free at 800-634-1983. Or send an email using our online form.