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).
Courts award spousal support during the divorce process. The court will weigh factors such as domestic abuse, adultery and other marital misconduct, as well as the financial situation of each spouse after the separation.
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.
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.
Alimony is ordered when one spouse cannot meet their own reasonable needs. Once a divorce decree is finalized and all property is equitably distributed, financial support is known as alimony in Pennsylvania. The amount and duration of alimony are based on consideration of a wide variety of factors, including income.
Calculating Spousal Support 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.
The 17 Alimony Factors in Pennsylvania Relative earning capacity of each spouse. Age, physical and mental health of each spouse. Sources of income of each spouse. Inheritances of each spouse. Marriage length. Contribution to spouse's education. Children: whether earning capacity of the custodial parent is affected.
In Pennsylvania, it is possible to avoid alimony through negotiation of terms in the divorce settlement, proof of marital misconduct and establishing financial independence.