Pennsylvania judges have a lot of discretion when deciding how long an alimony award should last. The award can be for a definite or indefinite period of time—the main requirement is that it be "reasonable under the circumstances." (23 Pa.
Courts only award post-divorce alimony if necessary, i.e., the recipient spouse cannot financially support themselves. Alimony is referred to as a “secondary remedy” by the court, in that it is not automatic in every divorce.
Typically, the judge will take 20% of the lower-earning spouse's income and subtract that number from 30% of the higher-earning spouse's income. For example, one spouse makes $100,000, and the other makes $20,000. Thirty percent of $100,000 is $30,000, and 20% of $20,000 is $4,000.
In Pennsylvania, it is possible to avoid alimony through negotiation of terms in the divorce settlement, proof of marital misconduct and establishing financial independence.
Spousal Support (Alimony) in Pennsylvania Once all financial issues are resolved and your divorce becomes final, you will become eligible for alimony. The amount of alimony you are entitled to will become part of your divorce decree.
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.
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).