Spousal Support/Alimony Pendente Lite/Alimony

Financial Survival After Separation or Divorce:
Paying or Receiving Spousal Support

In marriages where either the husband or wife relied heavily on the other spouse's income, breaking up can be very hard to do. It takes a lot of courage for a spouse to leave when he or she is worried about financial survival after the divorce. For the spouse who has been supporting the household, the thought of paying alimony to an ex can be downright maddening.

There are several options for alimony, such as:

• Spousal support paid to the economically dependent spouse whether or not divorce is filed
• Alimony pendente lite (APL), which is paid during divorce
• Alimony paid after divorce

If you are seeking alimony, it is important to establish your claim during the divorce, as a former spouse generally cannot seek alimony for the first time after the divorce is final.

Whether you think you will need spousal support (APL or alimony) for yourself or you want to avoid paying excessive alimony to your ex-wife or husband, our law firm can help. In our family law practice, we represent both men and women in alimony and support disputes. We handle pendente lite hearings for temporary support during the divorce. We also handle divorce cases where one spouse is seeking spousal support to be paid after final divorce.

Do you have questions about alimony in your divorce? Call or e-mail us to schedule an appointment to talk with family law attorney Carla V. Risoldi at one of our two Bucks County office locations.

Generally, spousal support (also called "spousal maintenance") is a monthly payment from one spouse to the other. Alimony was created so that a spouse with little or no income would not have to live in poverty or rely on welfare. Courts strive to replicate the marital standard of living through alimony.

Spousal support has evolved over the years to provide support after divorce to spouses who earn significantly less than their spouse does. It is awarded more frequently in long-term marriages where one spouse stayed home for long periods to care for the home or children.

The court can also award alimony or support in other marriages and for other reasons. Spousal support is much more fact-specific than child support and depends upon the unique circumstances of the family.

With 15 years of experience resolving divorce issues, family law attorney Carla V. Risoldi can help you resolve your alimony dispute. She will review your circumstances, your financial resources, and many other factors and provide you with an estimate of how we think a family court judge might rule in your divorce. She will fight for the alimony and support order that you want.

Two Convenient Office Locations in Bucks County
Langhorne: 215-741-3700 | Buckingham: 215-794-9300

Serving Clients in the 5-County Philadelphia Area

We offer reasonably priced family law consultations that will give you useful information and practical advice. To schedule a daytime or evening appointment with a lawyer, call either of our Bucks County office locations or contact us online.

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