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Alimony & Spousal Legal Services
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It is not uncommon for the spouse who was not the main “bread-winner” to have anxiety over their financial future. Pennsylvania establishes three types of alimony/spousal support: spousal support, alimony pendente lite, and alimony.
Spousal Support
In Pennsylvania, spousal support is financial assistance provided after separation but before divorce is finalized. This process begins with a formal request to the court, often involving calculations based on both parties’ incomes and certain guidelines. An attorney can be crucial in navigating the complexities of this process, including negotiating the amount of support, addressing any disputes, and ensuring that the calculations are fair and in accordance with state laws. Legal representation is vital for protecting one’s financial interests and rights throughout this process.
Alimony Pendente Lite
Alimony pendente lite (APL) in PA offers support during the divorce process, ensuring fairness. It aims to level the financial playing field, allowing both parties to afford legal representation and maintain a similar standard of living while their divorce is pending. The court considers several factors, including income disparities, to determine the amount. Attorneys play a crucial role in presenting evidence, negotiating terms, and ensuring the support is fair, adhering to legal standards and protecting their client’s interests.
Alimony
Alimony in PA is a financial support one spouse may be ordered to pay the other after a divorce is finalized. It’s determined by considering factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earnings and earning potential, contributions to the marriage, and the standard of living during the marriage. The court also considers each party’s financial needs and their ability to pay. An attorney can help by advocating for fair terms based on these factors, negotiating the amount and duration of alimony, and ensuring compliance with Pennsylvania law.
PA spousal support and alimony pendente lite are temporary and focus on the divorce process, while alimony addresses long-term post-divorce financial needs.
If you spent years raising a family and maintaining a household, and now find yourself faced with the challenge of establishing a meaningful source of income, we can assist with determining which type of support may be right for you.
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