Spousal Support and Alimony Pendente Lite in PennsylvaniaNovember 11, 2012
Spousal support, alimony, and APL (alimony pendente lite) are forms of support provided by one spouse to another. Spousal support is designed to provide one spouse (who has generally been dependent upon the other for all or most of the income before the parties separated or divorced) with a reasonable financial allowance to pay for living expenses, such as mortgage payments or rent, medical insurance, food, gas, clothing and utility bills.
Courts may require alimony to be paid before or after the divorce is finalized. On the other hand, Alimony Pendente Lite is a form of temporary spousal support awarded after a divorce complaint has been filed, that generally is paid only until a final divorce decree is issued and equitable distribution of the marital property has been finalized.
Spousal support can be an important factor in marital property distribution. If the party seeking support and his or her spouse cannot reach an agreement on this issue, the Court will enter an order for support based on a number of factors, including the length of the marriage and the income and needs of the parties.
The Harrisburg area attorneys at Daley Zucker have extensive experience assisting our clients with child support, child custody, and spousal support. Please Contact us to find out how we can help you.
