Spousal Support Attorneys in Pittsburgh, PA Protecting Your Finances

Working to obtain fair financial maintenance

At Feldstein Grinberg Lang & McKee, P.C., it is our mission to ensure that you and the children in your custodial care are financially secure after a divorce. Alimony or spousal support protects the person receiving it from being impoverished by the divorce. It’s also intended to help that person eventually become financially independent. Let us help you determine if alimony is warranted in your case and learn how the law applies to your circumstances. We are fully equipped to handle amicable negotiations or challenging litigation to obtain a positive result for you.

The following attorney practices Support law:

• Lisa M. Petruzzi
• Rachel E. Sekine-Tenny

Three types of support

In Pennsylvania, there are three kinds of support paid to spouses, and they differ in when they’re awarded. These three types of support are:

• Spousal support. Monetary support paid to a spouse after separation but before a divorce is filed is called spousal support. This is the only type of support where an entitlement defense can be presented on the part of the defendant.
• Alimony pendente lite. Temporary monetary support paid to a spouse after a divorce is filed, but before the divorce is finalized, is referred to as alimony pendente lite and is determined by a court formula.
• Alimony. Once the divorce is finalized, any monetary support paid to the spouse as a secondary remedy in addition to equitable distribution is called alimony.

How is alimony calculated?

Pennsylvania law uses a mathematical formula for calculating alimony. It can be confusing because there are several exceptions and factors to consider in applying the formula. An experienced divorce attorney can fully explain how the formula affects your award.

In general, the amount of alimony payable from one spouse to the other depends on the amount of child support payable, if any, and the monthly after-tax, or net, incomes of the parties. If there are no minor children that are covered by the support order, then alimony is calculated by multiplying the difference between the parties’ net monthly incomes by 40 percent. When child support is also payable or higher incomes are involved, applying the formula can become even more complicated. Our firm provides the advice and guidance you need in alimony cases.

It is also important to understand that if the spouse receiving the support payments remarries or lives with a financially supportive member of the opposite sex, alimony is terminated.

Call our family law attorneys for reliable advice

When it comes to alimony or spousal support, the lawyers at Feldstein Grinberg Lang & McKee, P.C. provide aggressive advocacy and compassionate guidance. We have served the Pittsburgh area for many years with skill, reliability and proficiency in family law matters. Call us today at 412-436-5788 or contact us online.