When it comes to divorce, the public policy laws of Pennsylvania want each party to have financial stability moving forward. Our experienced Reading, Lancaster and Lebanon alimony attorneys can help you develop a spousal support and alimony order that makes sense for you and your circumstances.
At Bentley Law Offices, P.C., we help clients throughout Pennsylvania protect their financial futures and develop orders that work. Our state has currently undergone many changes regarding spousal support as well as spousal support modification. Our Wyomissing, Lebanon and Lancaster spousal support lawyers are knowledgeable about these changes and the ways they affect our clients.
Support and alimony are generally awarded to individuals based on both need and eligibility. Pennsylvania has three different types of spousal maintenance. Our family law attorneys will analyze your situation in order to determine which option may be available, and what you can do to look after your financial future. The three options for support are as follows:
- Spousal support: Determined by statutory guidelines, spousal support is awarded to a spouse who is deemed a dependent spouse due to unemployment, homemaker status, mental illness and other reasons.
- Alimony Pendente Lite (APL): APL may be awarded to one spouse while divorce is pending. This is also determined by statutory guidelines. APL is given to a party so that there may be more of a financially level playing field and that they are then able to move their case forward. Different counties handle APL requests very differently.
- Alimony: Pennsylvania has a statutory set of criteria to determine if an individual should be awarded alimony. Unlike spousal support or APL, there are no statutory guidelines to indicate a dollar amount or how long it will be awarded. Alimony is usually not awarded as a punitive measure. Alimony is after the divorce is final. It is by the agreement of the parties or a court order. It is not automatic. We will review with our clients the 17 point criteria for alimony as well as the pertinent case law.
Marital Misconduct Can Be an Issue Courts Consider When Determining Whether to Award Alimony
Pennsylvania is a no-fault and equitable distribution state. However, the marital misconduct of either of the parties during the marriage may be considered when the court is considering alimony.
Contact Our Wyomissing, Lebanon, Lancaster and Reading Spousal Support Attorneys
There are a number of different support options. As you look forward to a new future, it is important that you find the option that works best for you. From our offices in Wyomissing, Lancaster and Lebanon, we are ready to answer your spousal support questions. Contact us today for a free initial consultation. Call 610-685-8000 (Wyomissing), 717-272-7585 (Lebanon) or 717-735-9111 (Lancaster).
