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ALIMONY/SPOUSAL SUPPORT

Alimony (or spousal support) is essential for getting a divorce, especially if their spouse wants it. However, with help from experienced lawyers, things might be different. 

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FORMS OF SPOUSAL SUPPORT IN PENNSYLVANIA 

There are two different types of spousal support in York, Pennsylvania. People should keep them in mind if they want their divorce to go the best way possible. Overall, the procedures have the same purpose since they're both designed to help a disadvantaged spouse. 

 

Even though both types of spousal support are similar, they are applied differently. It ultimately depends on the situation, and each couple is unique, so understanding all the details is vital. 

 

In many cases, these types of spousal support are temporary since they're meant to help the disadvantaged spouse while going through the divorce. Even so, people should know as much as they can if they believe this applies to them.

SPOUSAL SUPPORT

The court chooses this option if a person is separated from their spouse. However, it has to occur before the divorce is over. 

 

Spousal support exists to help the spouse when they require aid due to the separation from their husband or wife. Therefore, if they're struggling due to the ramifications of being separated from them, this may apply to them. 

 

Sometimes, people may even get spousal support before filing for a divorce, but those are special circumstances. To understand all the details, they should get help from an experienced lawyer.

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ALIMONY PENDENTE LITE 

If someone takes a look at the translation of "alimony pendente lite," they're probably not going to have any trouble understanding what this type of spousal support refers to. 

 

Alimony Pendente Lite means "alimony while the action is pending." In this case, the action is the divorce. 

 

This type of support may be applied if their divorce is pending, but still not finalized. Nonetheless, people should keep in mind that they cannot have an active order for Alimony Pendente Lite if they already have one for spousal support.

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ALIMONY AFTER DIVORCE 

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Most of the time, when people hear alimony, they might immediately think of post-divorce alimony. Even though that's not the only type of support that is important during a divorce, learning all you can about it is essential to ensure they have the outcomes they expect. 

 

The first thing couples should understand is the definition of alimony. It's a type of financial support someone or their spouse might get if one of them is disadvantaged. At the same time, the court has to decide how long it lasts since it doesn't last forever. 

 

Divorces are very stressful for many people, and managing everything related to alimony might only make things worse. Thus, they should have passionate professionals by their side – we can help, so all clients need to do is trust our judgment and contact us as soon as you can.

FACTORS THAT MIGHT CHANGE WHAT YOU GET AFTER DIVORCE 

When someone or their spouse tries to get Alimony Pendente Lite or spousal support, the court has to step in and calculate how much one of the parties has to pay the other one. Nonetheless, that is not the case with post-divorce alimony. 

 

Judges need to evaluate a series of factors to decide the sum of money the spouse has to pay. Additionally, the court determines how long the alimony is going to be paid. Here are some of the different things they might keep in mind during the process: 

 

  • The earning capacity of each spouse 

  • Age and condition of the spouses (physical, mental and emotional condition) 

  • Income sources of each spouse 

  • Expectancies and inheritances someone and their spouse might get 

  • Your marriage duration 

  • Whether or not someone or their spouse contributed to the other's earning power, education, training, and so on 

  • Potentially decreased earning capacity in the case of custodian parents 

  • The education of each spouse, as well as the needed time for them to acquire skills, training, or education 

  • Liabilities and assets both spouses might have 

  • Properties both spouses brought to the marriage 

  • The contribution the spouses made as homemakers 

  • All the needs of the spouses 

  • Marital misconduct, which must have happened during the marriage and before separation 

  • The alimony award's tax ramifications 

  • If the supported spouse has no property to meet the financial needs 

  • Whether the supported spouse is unable to support themselves through employment 

 

As couples might see, the judge has to consider many different factors before deciding. Furthermore, the process itself requires everyone to stay calm, answer all the questions in a specific way, and present documents. Therefore, only an experienced lawyer can help them since they have the knowledge and experience to give accurate suggestions.

WHEN DOES ALIMONY END?

Alimony Pendente Lite ends when the judge finalizes the divorce. In contrast, spousal support terminates when someone or their spouse files for it. 

 

Post-divorce alimony is different. When the judge decides that it's short-term, it means they will set a specific termination date, for example, when the disadvantaged spouse finishes a degree or specific training that could allow them to support themselves. 

 

In other cases, judges might choose long-term alimony as the best option. If that happens, then the court might not pick a precise end date. Even though it's rare, it can happen. It continues until the court orders a termination date, or

  • if one of the spouses dies,

  • if the supported spouse remarries, or

  • if they live with a third party living like a couple who's gotten married.

YOU CAN ASK THE COURT TO CHANGE THEIR DECISION

Either party can ask the court to change their decision. However, the judge will only consider the case if the person can prove a substantial change since they ordered the payments.  

EXPERIENCED LAWYERS ARE WHAT YOU NEED TO TURN THINGS IN YOUR FAVOR

Divorce itself is very challenging, and the process can become more complicated if someone or their spouse wants alimony. However, with help from experienced and knowledgeable lawyers, things might change. 

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION FIRST.

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