Alimony is a payment made after divorce from one former spouse to the other, and it is to be based on the receiver’s financial needs. Alimony is a bit different than alimony pendente lite or spousal support, which either spouse may receive on a limited basis depending on the case’s outcome, and it is based on a state formula. In this guide, readers will learn the answers to some of the most frequent questions about alimony in Pennsylvania.
How Long Must a Marriage Last for a Spouse to Be Eligible for Alimony?
Although the marriage’s length is an important factor in PA’s alimony statutes, it’s only one of the factors the courts consider. In most cases, the longer a marriage lasts, the more reason there is to award alimony, as long as other factors are present. However, there’s no minimum time marriage has to last for alimony to be awarded.
How Much Is the Average Payment?
There’s no way to predict the number of alimony payments when a spouse decides to hire a divorce law firm in Stroudsburg, PA and take the case to court. There are just too many unique variables to consider that make the issue a bit of a gamble. A case’s outcome depends largely on opposing attorney’s litigation skills as well as the judge’s mood. However, when the issue is carefully mediated, ex-spouses can work together to arrive at a fair, reasonable and affordable payment amount.
How Long Does Alimony Last?
Again, there’s no set time for alimony payments in Pennsylvania, as it is given on a discretionary basis. If alimony is to be applied, spouses should consider their circumstances, the receiver’s future needs, and the payor’s ability to keep up with payments. For instance, PA commonly awards rehabilitative alimony, where a spouse might only need financial assistance until they receive career training or get back on their feet. Here, alimony payments only last long enough to satisfy that purpose.
Divorces are often contentious, and they may become even more so when one spouse is compelled to make payments to the other. However, with the help of a divorce law firm in Stroudsburg, PA, clients and their ex-spouses can arrive at the fairest possible resolution. Visit Thomas Conrad & Conrad for more information or to schedule a consultation.
