An In-Depth Look at Spousal Support and Alimony

It is common for individuals ending a union to have questions about support payments. In Pennsylvania (PA) and New Jersey (NJ), spousal support and alimony are designed to provide financial assistance to a spouse during or following a divorce. Whether you believe you should receive payments or suspect you will soon need to make payments, it’s important to understand your rights and obligations to ensure a fair outcome.
A Bucks County family attorney can answer all of your questions about alimony, child support, and other payment obligations that could be part of divorce settlement. Seasoned lawyers are available to explain different types of support, the factors considered by the court in awarding alimony, and the impact of remarriage or cohabitation on alimony.
Types of Spousal Support and Alimony
In PA and NJ, there are distinct types of financial support.
- Spousal support. This is a form of financial assistance provided to a spouse after separation but before the divorce is finalized. It ensures that the lower-earning spouse can maintain a standard of living similar to the one they became accustomed to during the marriage.
- Alimony Pendente Lite (APL). Unique to PA, APL is temporary financial support awarded during the divorce process. It is designed to ensure that both parties can afford legal representation and maintain their living standards until the divorce is finalized.
- This is post-divorce financial support paid by one spouse to the other. It is intended to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a reasonable standard of living and adjust to the financial changes brought by the divorce.
Courts consider several factors when determining the type and amount of support, including the length of a union. Longer marriages are more likely to result in alimony awards, as one spouse may have been financially dependent on the other for an extended period.
Additionally, both parties’ financial situations, including incomes, assets, and debts, will be examined to determine the need for alimony and the paying spouse’s ability to pay. Each spouse’s earning potential, such as their education, work experience, skills, and age will also be reviewed.
Impact of Remarriage or Cohabitation on Alimony
If the recipient spouse remarries, alimony typically terminates. This is because the financial responsibility shifts to the new spouse. It is also true that when a spouse who is receiving payments cohabitates with a new partner, the paying spouse can request a modification or termination of alimony. The court will consider if the new living arrangement reduces the recipient’s financial need.
Professional legal advice can be helpful when you are seeking payments or if you believe you will have support responsibilities. A Bucks County family attorney can assist filing for support and negotiating terms, ensuring that support arrangements are fair and equitable.
Where are you in the separation and divorce process? As a marriage ends, financial considerations need to be taken into account. Consulting with the knowledgeable legal team at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. is key to navigating these complexities with confidence. Call 215-968-6602 for a confidential consultation.