Child support is never deductible and isn't considered income. Additionally, if a divorce or separation instrument provides for alimony and child support, and the payer spouse pays less than the total required, the payments apply to child support first. Only the remaining amount is considered alimony.
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.
The court will determine how long you or the other party will receive alimony. If you have been married for 20 years or longer, there is no limit to how long you can receive alimony. However, if you were married for less than 20 years, you cannot collect alimony for more than 50% of the length of the marriage.
In Pennsylvania, it is possible to avoid alimony through negotiation of terms in the divorce settlement, proof of marital misconduct and establishing financial independence.
If you have a complicated case, a lawyer may be necessary: If your ex, for instance, does not agree with the amount of child support, the custody arrangement, or the terms of a divorce, then a lawyer would be best suited to convince the judge to rule your way.
To get a child support order, file a complaint for support in your local county domestic relations office. You do not need a lawyer to do this. The domestic relations office will give you a form to fill out.
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 party seeking support for a child in their care must file a Petition for Support at the Domestic Relations Section or can file an E-Services support petition online at the PA Child Support Website.