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Alimony / Spousal Support

Alimony is not awarded in every divorce case. Alimony may be awarded on a permanent, long-term, or short-term basis, depending on the specific facts and circumstances of the divorce.

The court may take a wide range of factors into consideration when determining alimony, including:

  • The relative earnings and earning capacities of the parties.
  • The ages and the physical, mental and emotional conditions of the parties.
  • The sources of income of both parties, including, but not limited to, medical, retirement, insurance or other benefits.
  • The expectancies and inheritances of the parties.
  • The duration of the marriage.
  • The contribution by one party to the education, training or increased earning power of the other party.
  • The extent to which the earning power, expenses or financial obligations of a party will be affected by reason of serving as the custodian of a minor child.
  • The standard of living of the parties established during the marriage.
  • The relative education of the parties and the time necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the party seeking alimony to find appropriate employment.
  • The relative assets and liabilities of the parties.
  • The property brought to the marriage by either party.
  • The contribution of a spouse as homemaker.
  • The relative needs of the parties.
  • The marital misconduct of either of the parties during the marriage. The marital misconduct of either of the parties from the date of final separation shall not be considered by the court in its determinations relative to alimony, except that the court shall consider the abuse of one party by the other party.
  • The Federal, State and local tax ramifications of the alimony award.
  • Whether the party seeking alimony lacks sufficient property to provide for the party’s reasonable needs.
  • Whether the party seeking alimony is incapable of self-support through appropriate employment.

23 Pa.C.S. § 3701(a)-(b).

Elite Divorce Lawyer can provide the professional representation you need to help ensure the fairest possible award or settlement whether you may be paying or are seeking alimony.