The alimony attorneys at Ciccarelli Lawyers, help clients throughout Pennsylvania handle legal issues related to alimony and alimony “pendente lite” (that is, alimony that only lasts while the litigation is pending). Joshua Janis heads our family law department and is experienced in support and alimony matters in West Chester, Chester County and throughout the Philadelphia area. Joshua takes a client-focused approach to handling almost every case.
Alimony in West Chester Pennsylvania
The term “alimony” (also called “spousal maintenance”) refers to a set monthly payment from one former spouse to another, ensuring that the economically weaker spouse will be able to support himself or herself. The court considers a number of factors in determining how much alimony is to be paid, including but not limited to the following:
- The relative earning capacity, education and employability of both parties
- Each party’s age, physical condition, mental condition and emotional condition
- The assets, liabilities, sources of income and needs of both parties
- The effect of any child custody arrangements on either spouse
- The length of the marriage, and the factors contributing to its downfall
- Marital misconduct on behalf of either party during the marriage (but not after a legal separation)
Alimony Pendente Lite (APL)
As mentioned above, APL refers to alimony that is paid during the course of litigation for a divorce. APL is a temporary, immediate form of maintenance to ensure that the economically weaker spouse does not suffer undue hardship during litigation. When a divorce decree is issued, APL payments end and normal alimony payments begin. At that time, alimony payments can increase, decrease or stay the same. Individuals can also receive APL payments to help pay for legal counsel while the divorce is still pending.
Contact us when you need legal advice on seeking alimony and alimony pendente lite. We serve the greater Philadelphia area including Chester County, Delaware County, Lancaster County, Montgomery County, Bucks County, Berks County, Downingtown, Paoli, Media, Norristown, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, Reading and Allentown. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced Alimony Attorney at Ciccarelli Lawyers, by contacting us at (610) 925-2500 or toll free at (877) 529-2422.
