Reading, Berks Alimony Lawyers
When it comes to divorce, the state of Pennsylvania wants each party to have financial stability moving forward. An experienced attorney can help you develop a spousal support or alimony plan that makes sense for you and your former spouse. At Bentley Law Offices, P.C. , we help clients throughout Pennsylvania protect their financial futures and come up with plans that work.
Support and alimony are generally awarded to individuals based on both need and eligibility. Pennsylvania has three different types of spousal maintenance. Our lawyers 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 that is deemed dependent to their own spouse due to unemployment, homemaker status, mental illness, or 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 differently.
- Alimony: Pennsylvania has a set of criteria to determine if an individual should be awarded alimony. Unlike spousal support or APL, there are no statutory guidelines to indicate how much or how long it will be awarded. Typically, it is awarded to allow an individual to retrain or rehabilitate in order to regain a sufficient income. 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 court ordered. It is not automatic.
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 is considered for various types of spousal maintenance.
Contact Us
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 and Lebanon, we are ready to answer your spousal support questions. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
