Whether you’re a high-earner or a stay-at-home parent, divorce can turn your finances upside down. You might worry about maintaining your lifestyle, paying bills or simply making ends meet.
In Pennsylvania, there are three kinds of spousal support. Each serves a different purpose and comes at different stages during divorce.
Spousal support
This support only comes up before the parties file for divorce, and it only provides financial assistance to a spouse if they request it and are financially dependent on the other. Spousal support aims to maintain financial stability for the dependent spouse while both parties decide whether to reconcile or proceed with divorce.
Courts typically calculate the amount of spousal support using a formula that considers both spouses’ incomes. Spousal support usually ends when either spouse files a divorce complaint. At this point, Alimony Pendente Lite may replace it.
Alimony Pendente Lite (APL)
Alimony Pendente Lite (APL) simply means “alimony pending litigation.” This type of support kicks in during the divorce process and continues until the court finalizes the divorce. Like spousal support, APL depends on the standard formula based on the spouses’ incomes.
This ensures that both parties can afford to participate fully in the divorce process. It also maintains financial status quo during the process. This is important because it can help prevent the higher-earning spouse from withholding financial resources to pressure the lower-earning spouse into an unfair settlement. Take note that the court may not award APL if both parties have similar incomes or if the requesting spouse has sufficient income to maintain the case.
Alimony
Alimony comes into play after the court finalizes the divorce. Its primary goal is to help the dependent spouse maintain a reasonable standard of living after the process. Unlike spousal support and APL, alimony does not solely depend on income. Instead, courts consider various factors, including:
- How long the couple was married
- The ability of each partner to earn income
- The lifestyle the couple maintained while married
- The age and health of each spouse
- Each spouse’s education and employment history
It’s crucial to understand that alimony is not a guarantee in every case. It is crucial to consult with an attorney who can provide advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
Protect your financial stability
The complexities of spousal support can be overwhelming. An attorney can help guide you through the process, protecting your financial interests during and after divorce.