A Strong Advocate For Your Financial Well-Being
Unlike child support, alimony in Pennsylvania is not based on a formula. However, several factors play a role in determining whether alimony is granted and how much and how long the alimony will be.
Because alimony payments can have a large impact on your financial welfare, it can be risky to represent yourself in this matter. When you work with me at The Law Offices of Joseph A. Guillama, I will zealously pursue your best interests in negotiations and court. I have helped countless clients secure fair alimony terms throughout my career.
What Affects Alimony Decisions?
It is up to the judge’s discretion to determine whether alimony should be awarded. When evaluating claims, judges consider a range of factors* that includes:
- Relative incomes and earning capacities of each spouse as well as assets, property and retirement benefits
- Ages and physical, mental and emotional conditions of the parties
- Length of the marriage
- Standard of living established during the marriage
- Contributions to the education, training or increased earning power of one party by the other
- Effect raising a minor child has had on a spouse’s earning power, expenses or financial obligations
- Contribution of a spouse as a homemaker
- Presence of physical or mental abuse in the marriage
*Statutes of Pennsylvania, Chapter 37. “Alimony and Support.”
Alimony Isn’t Automatic, But You Could Qualify
Considering these factors, alimony is rarely given in Pennsylvania divorce. But if a marriage was lengthy, if there is a great disparity between divorcing spouses’ finances, or if one spouse spent significantly greater time in taking care of the home or in child-rearing, a case can be made for securing alimony.
I advocate for strong families, even when those families are subjected to separation, divorce or estrangement. If you retain me, I will seek what is right for you, whether you need to obtain alimony or wish to control the amount you pay toward it.
If You’re Concerned About Your Options, Let’s Talk
Contact me online or over the phone at 610-295-5335. I can help you explore your options for spousal support, alimony pendente lite, alimony for education and retraining, or permanent alimony payments. If you have been looking for an advocate who will fight for you and your interests, look no further than The Law Offices of Joseph A. Guillama.
My law firm provides initial consultations that are free and confidential. Se habla español