Support

Child
Parents are legally responsible to financially support their children until they turn eighteen (18) years of age. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has put forth statewide child support guidelines which are used as a starting point in the calculation of child support.

Spousal
Spousal support comes in two variations: alimony and support. Alimony are the fees paid to one spouse after the divorce has been finalized. To the contrary, Spousal Support are the fees paid prior to the divorce being finalized.

The factors which are considered in determining the nature, amount, duration and manner of payment of alimony are: earnings and earning capacity; age, physical, mental and emotional condition of the parties; sources of income; inheritances; duration of marriage; contribution to the education of one spouse by the other; assets and liabilities; property brought to the marriage; needs of the parties; and marital misconduct.

The court may impose Alimony to be paid for a defined period of time or leave it open indefinitely. In the case of the latter, you may seek modification or termination of alimony upon a showing of a significant change in either spouse’s life.