How Long Does Alimony Last In Pennsylvania?

If getting divorced will leave you unable to support yourself financially, you may be entitled to alimony. The Law Offices of Dawn K. Gull represents divorce clients in Allegheny and Butler counties and works to protect their financial stability now and into the future.

The purpose of alimony is to have one party provide financial support to the other until that party becomes financially independent. For example, if a couple gets divorced after 20 years and one of the spouses did not work outside the home throughout the marriage, he or she will probably struggle to find a job. Alimony can help that spouse pay for housing, food and other necessities until he or she gets job training and finds work.

How Duration Of Alimony Is Determined

If spouses cannot agree on an alimony plan, a family court judge will decide. Pennsylvania law sets out many factors for judges to consider when deciding whether to grant alimony and how long it will last, including:

Each spouse’s earnings and earning potential
Each spouse’s age and health
How long the marriage lasted
How much one spouse contributed to the other spouse’s education and increased earning power
The standard of living established during the marriage

Besides any alimony awarded once the divorce is finalized, there is also alimony pendente lite, which is support paid during the divorce process.

As a divorce attorney since 1996, Dawn K. Gull has represented clients on both sides of the alimony issue — those seeking such support and those who do not feel it is necessary. She will work to negotiate a fair result, but will go to court if necessary to make sure the final ruling is just.