CHILD SUPPORT
Child support in Pennsylvania is based on the Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines. Often clients ask how much they are going to pay. Each matter is case specific, so there is no one answer. Some of the variables include the parties' incomes or earning capacity, number of children, additional expenses (such as day care, summer camp, or private/parochial school), and the parties' custody arrangements
The following website is helpful for information regarding child support in Pennsylvania: www.childsupport.state.pa.us
ALIMONY
There is alimony in Pennsylvania, under certain circumstances. Often, there is a preference for a greater division of property to a "disadvantaged" spouse, rather than alimony.
The following is the statute setting forth the 17 factors that the court looks at:
§ 3701. Alimony.
(a) General rule.--Where a divorce decree has been entered,
the court may allow alimony, as it deems reasonable, to either
party only if it finds that alimony is necessary.
(b) Factors relevant.--In determining whether alimony is
necessary and in determining the nature, amount, duration and
manner of payment of alimony, the court shall consider all
relevant factors, including:
(1) The relative earnings and earning capacities of the
parties.
(2) The ages and the physical, mental and emotional
conditions of the parties.
(3) The sources of income of both parties, including,
but not limited to, medical, retirement, insurance or other
benefits.
(4) The expectancies and inheritances of the parties.
(5) The duration of the marriage.
(6) The contribution by one party to the education,
training or increased earning power of the other party.
(7) The extent to which the earning power, expenses or
financial obligations of a party will be affected by reason
of serving as the custodian of a minor child.
(8) The standard of living of the parties established
during the marriage.
(9) The relative education of the parties and the time
necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to
enable the party seeking alimony to find appropriate
employment.
(10) The relative assets and liabilities of the parties.
(11) The property brought to the marriage by either
party.
(12) The contribution of a spouse as homemaker.
(13) The relative needs of the parties.
(14) The marital misconduct of either of the parties
during the marriage. The marital misconduct of either of the
parties from the date of final separation shall not be
considered by the court in its determinations relative to
alimony, except that the court shall consider the abuse of
one party by the other party. As used in this paragraph,
"abuse" shall have the meaning given to it under section 6102
(relating to definitions).
(15) The Federal, State and local tax ramifications of
the alimony award.
(16) Whether the party seeking alimony lacks sufficient
property, including, but not limited to, property distributed
under Chapter 35 (relating to property rights), to provide
for the party's reasonable needs.
(17) Whether the party seeking alimony is incapable of
self-support through appropriate employment.
(c) Duration.--The court in ordering alimony shall determine
the duration of the order, which may be for a definite or an
indefinite period of time which is reasonable under the
circumstances.
(d) Statement of reasons.--In an order made under this
section, the court shall set forth the reason for its denial or
award of alimony and the amount thereof.
(e) Modification and termination.--An order entered pursuant
to this section is subject to further order of the court upon
changed circumstances of either party of a substantial and
continuing nature whereupon the order may be modified,
suspended, terminated or reinstituted or a new order made. Any
further order shall apply only to payments accruing subsequent
to the petition for the requested relief. Remarriage of the
party receiving alimony shall terminate the award of alimony.
(f) Status of agreement to pay alimony.--Whenever the court
approves an agreement for the payment of alimony voluntarily
entered into between the parties, the agreement shall constitute
the order of the court and may be enforced as provided in
section 3703 (relating to enforcement of arrearages).
(Dec. 16, 1997, P.L.549, No.58, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Mar. 24,
1998, P.L.204, No.36, eff. imd.)