A party shall commence a claim for alimony pendente lite by filing a complaint in the domestic relations section if a divorce complaint has been filed with the prothonotary.
Generally, courts will likely award alimony and for a longer duration when there was a longer marriage. If the marriage is three (3) years or less, alimony would be unlikely unless there was a compelling situation.
To start a support action, go to your go to your local Domestic Relations Office (DRO). The DRO may ask you for details about your income and assets. Have the following information on hand: Checking and savings account information.
The determination of spousal support is made by taking the difference in the net incomes of the parties, and multiplying that figure by a certain percentage (40% in cases where there is no concurrent child support, and 30% where there is child support in place).
A parent, caretaker/custodian, spouse, or attorney may request support services (file a Complaint for Support) electronically through the Pennsylvania Child Support Website by selecting the "Request Support Services" button.
In Pennsylvania, it is possible to avoid alimony through negotiation of terms in the divorce settlement, proof of marital misconduct and establishing financial independence.