Montgomery County Spousal Support Lawyer
In years past, husbands may have been automatically ordered to pay spousal support, but that has changed in recent times. Pennsylvania laws that deal with alimony and support that it could be granted to either spouse. However, the court will only award it in cases where it’s both reasonable and necessary. How will a family law judge decide what is appropriate and necessary? How will they determine whether alimony is even warranted at all? These are questions that a Montgomery County spousal support lawyer can assist in answering. Attorney Lauren H. Kane has over 38 years of experience handling family law matters, including Montgomery County spousal support orders.
To pursue spousal support in your divorce, it’s crucial to have a skilled legal advocate on your side. At the Law Offices of Lauren H. Kane, we know what the courts are looking for and what criteria are necessary to get an award of spousal support. We can help you determine whether you might receive an alimony award or whether the court might be looking at you to pay your soon-to-be-ex.
How Do Montgomery County Courts Determine Whether Alimony Is Necessary?
All family court judges are required to consider any and all relevant factors when determining whether one spouse is entitled to alimony. If alimony is warranted, what is the amount, duration, and how should it be paid? Pennsylvania alimony laws have 17 different factors that the court must consider, including the following:
- How long you were married
- What each party’s age and health are
- What the relative needs are for each spouse
- What each spouse’s earnings and earning capacity are
- What the standard of living was during the course of the marriage
- Whether the requesting spouse has enough property to provide for their reasonably necessary needs
- Any contributions either spouse made to the marriage as a homemaker
- Whether one spouse contributed to the training, education, or earning potential of their partner
- Expected inheritance for either spouse
- How much time does it take for the party getting alimony to acquire the necessary education or training to become self-supporting
- What property each spouse brought into the marriage
- If you have minor children, who will be the custodian
- Are there any tax implications of alimony, or does it affect any program eligibility
- Whether there was marital misconduct during the marriage
Montgomery County family law judges will determine these factors based on the evidence you and your spouse submit during the divorce process. Evidence can include documents and records, testimony, and legal arguments your attorney makes.
How Long Does Spousal Support Last?
Every divorce is different. The judge can choose to award spousal support as long as they deem it’s reasonable and necessary. Spousal support will also terminate when the recipient spouse passes away, moves in with another partner, or remarries. Spousal support awards can be modified or terminated after the divorce, provided the requesting party can show the modification necessary.
There’s a particular type of alimony called alimony pendente lite, which is paid out only while the divorce is pending. An award of alimony pendente lite doesn’t affect any other type of alimony award.
Contact a Montgomery County Alimony Lawyer
If you need assistance with alimony and Pennsylvania divorce, let a Montgomery County alimony lawyer help. Contact the Law Offices of Lauren H. Kane today to schedule an initial consultation.
