Navigating Spousal Support And Alimony In Pennsylvania

In my over 30 years of practice, I’ve found that few topics in a divorce ignite as much stress as money—specifically, who has to pay it and who gets to keep it. Since founding my firm in Bloomsburg in 2001, I’ve been giving my clients the blunt, honest truth about what to expect when they walk into a Columbia or Montour County courtroom. I don’t sell false hope; I provide the strategy you need to protect your financial future.

The Four Faces Of Support

In Pennsylvania, alimony isn’t just one thing. Depending on where you are in the legal process, the type of support changes:

• Spousal support: Paid after a couple separates but before a divorce action is filed.
• Alimony pendente lite (APL): Often called temporary spousal support, this is paid while the divorce is pending to ensure both parties can maintain their lifestyle and afford legal counsel.
• Post-divorce alimony: This is the support paid after the divorce decree is final. It is not a right in Pennsylvania; it is based on actual need.
• Equitable reimbursement: A property division tool used to compensate a spouse for contributions to the other’s education; unlike alimony, it is generally a fixed award that does not end if the recipient remarries..

While post-divorce alimony is decided by 17 statutory factors, spousal support and APL are calculated using a specific state-mandated formula based on income. Whether you are asking “How much can I get?” or “How do I stop from paying it?”, I know exactly what needs to be done to present these factors effectively to a judge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding your obligations or entitlements is the first step toward a fair resolution. Here is the straightforward reality of support in our local courts.

How is alimony determined in Pennsylvania divorce cases?

Unlike child support, there is no fixed formula for post-divorce alimony. The court looks at 17 different factors, including the duration of the marriage, the age and health of the parties, and their respective incomes. My job is to ensure the court sees the full picture of your financial reality.

Can alimony or spousal support be modified after a divorce in Columbia County?

Yes. Court-ordered alimony can be modified for substantial changes in circumstances; however, alimony set by a private contract (settlement agreement) is often non-modifiable.

How long does alimony typically last in Pennsylvania?

There is no standard length. It can be for a set number of years (rehabilitative) or, in rarer cases involving long-term marriages or disability, permanent. Under Pennsylvania law, alimony must terminate upon the recipient’s remarriage or if they begin cohabitating with a romantic partner.

Contact Law Offices of David H. Trathen Today

To schedule a consultation, call 570-284-3088. You can also my online contact form to send me a message.