In Pennsylvania, alimony is used to provide a spouse with an adequate share of the marital estate. The payments are also used to provide temporary or lifetime financial support for a spouse. The type of alimony awarded depends on state laws and the spouse’s needs. A Spousal Support Lawyer in Allentown PA explains details about alimony and guides petitioners through the process.
Does the Length of the Marriage Prevent Access to Alimony?
No, a spouse may request alimony regardless of how long they were married. However, longer marriages could provide the spouse with more substantial alimony payments. Typically, the spousal support payments are increased according to the length of the marriage.
Is There a Limit on Alimony Payments?
No, the state doesn’t impose a limit on the total value of the payments themselves. However, the standard indicates that the payments cannot exceed sixty percent of the opposing spouse’s income. The income of each party is reviewed to determine the financial needs of the spouse. If they never worked, the payments could be significantly higher.
What are Alternatives to Alimony?
An alternative to alimony is an educational program. The opposing spouse could provide the full payment for a college degree program for the requesting spouse. The educational program provides an opportunity for the requesting spouse to increase their earning capacity.
How Long Will the Spouse Receive the Payments?
The court may provide lifetime or rehabilitative alimony payments. Lifetime alimony is provided for spouses that have been married at least ten years. Rehabilitative alimony is provided to enable the spouse to get settled after the divorce. They can use the payments to secure a new place to live or to pay upfront expenses when renting a home.
Can Military Spouses Receive Alimony?
Typically, military divorces follow the same rulings as a typical divorce. However, in some cases, it is necessary to prove fault-based grounds when seeking alimony in a military divorce. The military service member must provide payments during the divorce case referred to as separation pay.
In Pennsylvania, spouses may request alimony based on their financial needs after the divorce. The earning capacity of the spouse can affect the value of the payments. The court must complete a financial assessment when the couple cannot agree on their own. Couples that need help can contact a Spousal Support Lawyer in Allentown PA or visit Conrad Attorneys now.
