Pittsburgh Alimony Lawyer

Contrary to popular belief, alimony is still alive and well in America’s court systems. If you earn far more than your spouse, it is likely that you will be ordered to pay alimony for a certain period of time. Perhaps one spouse does not work and is worried about their financial situation, or maybe an alimony payment is needed to support the spouse while they look for a job. While these payments are sometimes justified, they are often used to extort the spouse who is more financially stable. If you are going through a divorce, you are likely worried about your finances.

As Pittsburgh divorce attorneys, we sees firsthand how stressful and one-sided these situations can be. With years of experience navigating the court system, Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC can help you arrive at an alimony agreement that is fair for everyone.

Understanding Alimony

In Pennsylvania, alimony is defined as a monthly payment that is made from one former spouse to another. It is meant to be used for the costs of living, although the spending of alimony payments is not monitored. The order to make monthly alimony payments is often seen in cases where one party has a substantially higher income. In addition, alimony is far more likely to be ordered if the marriage has lasted for several years. When alimony payments are required, they generally continue until:

• A certain date, as determined by a judge or by both parties
• The party receiving alimony payments remarries
• The party receiving alimony payments encounters a significant milestone, such as retirement or finding a job
• The children no longer need full-time care at home

Several misconceptions exist in regards to the determination of alimony payments. Many people, including legal professionals, might tell you that alimony is only ordered in cases where the couple has been married for several years. While the length of the marriage is a determining factor, it is not the only consideration. It is possible for alimony to be ordered in any case, regardless of the length of the marriage. It is also a widely held belief that the recipient of alimony is paid for one year for every three years of marriage. While some courts may use this as a rule of thumb, there is no law that mandates it.

Determining Factors

The amount to be paid in alimony can be arrived at mutually or through a court order. If both individuals are able to cooperate with one another, it is likely that the payment will be reasonable. In addition, avoiding a judge’s order means avoiding legal fees and saving time. If a judge is forced to issue a court order, they will consider many factors. These include, but are not limited to:

• The length of the marriage
• Why divorce is being sought
• The ability of the receiving party to support themselves financially
• The ability of the other party to make monthly alimony payments

Contact Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC To Speak to a Pittsburgh Alimony Lawyer

There is no doubt that going through a divorce can turn your life upside down and cause financial distress. After all, you have worked long and hard for what you earn, and you do not want to pay an unjustified amount. The Pittsburgh divorce lawyers at Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC realizes that it can be difficult to work with your former spouse in these situations. However, doing so will save you time and money in the long run.

Call (412) 471-5100 now to see how your alimony agreement can be fair and balanced.