Spousal Maintenance and Alimony in Your Pennsylvania Divorce
When spouses divorce any disparity in their incomes is magnified. A high earner may continue to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while the other spouse struggles to make ends meet. Spousal support is intended to equalize the standard of living, at least on an interim basis.
The Law Office & Mediation Services of Elissa C. Goldberg, LLC handles all matters of divorce and family law, including negotiation or litigation of spousal support. We often help couples in mediation decide on a fair level of post-divorce support, and we are prepared to argue for or against alimony in contested divorces. Attorney Elissa C. Goldberg has represented men and women in Bucks County and the Philly metro area since 1995.
Doylestown Alimony Attorney
Spousal support takes two forms: (1) temporary spousal maintenance ordered by the court while a divorce is pending (pendente lite), and (2) continuing spousal support after divorce, commonly referred to as alimony.
The court considers 17 statutory factors in determining whether to award alimony, how much and for how long. The most important factors are respective incomes and earning power, length of the marriage, custody and the age and health of the parties.
Alimony is usually awarded to allow the spouse to go back to school, re-establish a career or otherwise become financially independent. However, if the spouse never worked or has limited job skills, or cannot easily find self-supporting employment because of age or disability, a court may possibly award "permanent" alimony (until death, remarriage or cohabitation with an unrelated person of the opposite sex).
Exploring Solutions With a Bucks County Alimony Lawyer
Alimony can be an effective bargaining chip in divorce and property division. For example, a spouse who is entitled to monthly alimony may opt for a lump sum payout or a greater share of other assets, such as retirement funds.
Alimony can be litigated, but it is subject to the statutory guidelines. In mediation or collaborative divorce, there is more room for specific conditions and creative bartering. Elissa C. Goldberg is certified in mediation and collaborative law, and she is a proven trial attorney when alimony must be argued before the court.
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From our Doylestown office, we serve clients in Bucks County, Montgomery County and the Philadelphia area. Call 215-345-5259 or contact us online today to arrange a free initial consultation.