Spousal Support and Alimony Pendente Lite Attorney

Separation often creates an immediate financial problem: two households now have to be supported with the same income that previously supported one.

If you earn substantially less than your spouse, you may be wondering how you will pay your bills while the divorce is pending. If you are the higher earner, you may want to know how much you could be required to pay your spouse and for how long.

Christina J. Corr, P.C. helps clients in Montgomery and Bucks Counties understand Pennsylvania spousal support and alimony pendente lite and how these obligations may affect their finances during divorce.

Spousal Support vs. Alimony Pendente Lite

Spousal support and alimony pendente lite, commonly called APL, are both forms of financial support that may be paid before a divorce is final, but they are not exactly the same.

Spousal support is generally available after the parties separate households. APL applies while a divorce action is pending and is intended to help a financially dependent spouse participate in the divorce process.

Neither should be confused with alimony, which may be awarded after a divorce decree is entered.

How Is Support Calculated?

Pennsylvania uses support guidelines that begin with the parties’ monthly net incomes. The calculation differs depending on whether the parties also have dependent children.

The guideline calculation is only as reliable as the income information being used. Bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, business expenses, unemployment, reduced earnings and earning capacity can all complicate the analysis.

We review the financial information and help clients understand what income should be included and whether the proposed support amount makes sense.

What If My Spouse Is Not Earning What He or She Could?

A support calculation does not always end with a person’s current paycheck.

If a spouse voluntarily leaves a job, reduces working hours or accepts significantly lower-paying employment, earning capacity may become an issue. On the other hand, a legitimate layoff or career change does not automatically justify assigning a higher income.

Employment history, education, experience and the reasons for the change in income are important.

Support When Children Are Involved

When the parties also have children, spousal support or APL is calculated together with child support under Pennsylvania’s support guidelines.

Childcare expenses, health insurance, custody arrangements and other support obligations may affect the overall financial picture. Looking at one number in isolation can therefore be misleading.

We help clients understand how the different pieces fit together and what the resulting support order means for their monthly finances.

How Long Does Spousal Support or APL Last?

Spousal support and APL are temporary forms of support. They do not automatically establish what a spouse will receive after the divorce.

The duration may depend on the status and length of the divorce proceedings, the length of the marriage and other circumstances. Once the divorce is final, any claim for continuing financial support is generally considered under Pennsylvania’s separate rules for alimony.

Understanding that distinction is important when evaluating a divorce settlement.

Understand the Numbers Before Making Decisions

Support can significantly affect both parties’ budgets while a divorce is pending.

Whether you expect to pay support or receive it, the starting point should be accurate income information and a realistic understanding of the Pennsylvania guidelines.



Contact Christina J. Corr, P.C. to discuss spousal support or alimony pendente lite in Montgomery County or Bucks County, Pennsylvania.