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.
The guideline states that the paying spouse's support be presumptively 40% of his or her net monthly income, reduced by one-half of the receiving spouse's net monthly income. If child support is an issue, spousal support is calculated after child support is calculated.
In Pennsylvania, it is possible to avoid alimony through negotiation of terms in the divorce settlement, proof of marital misconduct and establishing financial independence.
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.
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).
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).
In Pennsylvania, it is possible to avoid alimony through negotiation of terms in the divorce settlement, proof of marital misconduct and establishing financial independence.