PRACTICE AREAS > FAMILY LAW > ALIMONY PENDENTE LITE (APL)/SPOUSAL SUPPORT
– alimony pendente lite (APL)/spousal support –
To further add to the emotional trauma of separation and divorce is the fear of being unable to support yourself in a comfortable or similar lifestyle as when you were married, or having to support your spouse because, for example, you are or were the primary wage earner during the marriage. Having to support two separate households during separation/divorce can be daunting and overwhelming. While some lifestyle changes are to be expected, in many separation and/or divorce situations, one spouse may be required to pay monthly support to the other spouse. Molavoque Law is committed to providing compassionate advice and powerful advocacy on the complex compensation issues surrounding spousal support, alimony pendente lite (APL), and alimony.
What is the difference between spousal support, APL, and alimony?
Spousal support is available while parties are separated but continue to be spouses, unless there are entitlement issues such as infidelity or domestic violence, for example. APL is support that is paid to a spouse after the divorce complaint is filed and throughout the pendency of the divorce until the divorce is finalized. While both types of support are formulaic in Pennsylvania, there are different ways to determine what gets factored into the formula and the issues that affect allowable support.
Alimony is support paid after the couple is legally divorced. It is based on the “reasonable needs” of the parties and there are several factors a court considers when determining the amount and duration of an alimony award, ranging from the length of marriage, the disparity between the parties’ incomes, and the parties’ ages, to name a few. If couples want the opportunity to have some control over the alimony process, Molavoque Law has the expertise to help you negotiate collaboratively through mediation to come to an alimony agreement that is fair to and realistic for both parties, with the understanding that if Molavoque Law is mediating the matter, Molavoque Law cannot represent either side. Molavoque Law also is committed to advocating for your financial rights in court, if the matter cannot otherwise be resolved.
Whether you are requesting to receive financial support or being asked to provide support, after listening to the specifics of your case, Molavoque Law has the expertise to educate you on the laws driving these potential financial obligations, will counsel you on your options, and determine creative solutions to achieve a realistic and desirable outcome most suited to your individual needs. Contact Kristin A. Molavoque, Esquire to discuss your spousal support/APL and alimony needs.
What is the difference between spousal support, APL, and alimony?
Spousal support is available while parties are separated but continue to be spouses, unless there are entitlement issues such as infidelity or domestic violence, for example. APL is support that is paid to a spouse after the divorce complaint is filed and throughout the pendency of the divorce until the divorce is finalized. While both types of support are formulaic in Pennsylvania, there are different ways to determine what gets factored into the formula and the issues that affect allowable support.
Alimony is support paid after the couple is legally divorced. It is based on the “reasonable needs” of the parties and there are several factors a court considers when determining the amount and duration of an alimony award, ranging from the length of marriage, the disparity between the parties’ incomes, and the parties’ ages, to name a few. If couples want the opportunity to have some control over the alimony process, Molavoque Law has the expertise to help you negotiate collaboratively through mediation to come to an alimony agreement that is fair to and realistic for both parties, with the understanding that if Molavoque Law is mediating the matter, Molavoque Law cannot represent either side. Molavoque Law also is committed to advocating for your financial rights in court, if the matter cannot otherwise be resolved.
Whether you are requesting to receive financial support or being asked to provide support, after listening to the specifics of your case, Molavoque Law has the expertise to educate you on the laws driving these potential financial obligations, will counsel you on your options, and determine creative solutions to achieve a realistic and desirable outcome most suited to your individual needs. Contact Kristin A. Molavoque, Esquire to discuss your spousal support/APL and alimony needs.