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 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).
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.
40% of the high earner's net monthly income minus 50% of the low earner's net monthly income. For instance, if Spouse A earns $5,000 per month and Spouse B earns $2,500 per month, temporary spousal support might be calculated as follows: 40% of $5,000 = $2,000. 50% of $2,500 = $1,250.
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 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.
In Pennsylvania, it is possible to avoid alimony through negotiation of terms in the divorce settlement, proof of marital misconduct and establishing financial independence.
Types of Alimony in Pennsylvania. Under Pennsylvania law, there are technically only two types of alimony: pendente lite (pre-divorce) and post-divorce. However, there are two other forms of payments between spouses—spousal support and equitable reimbursement—that are commonly referred to as alimony.