What is Spousal Support, Alimony Pendente Lite (APL) and Alimony?

Before, during and after a divorce, there are many aspects to consider regarding the financial situation of the household and how it will be affected once the dissolution of the marriage is completed. One of these financial aspects is the amount of monetary support that a non-working spouse or a spouse with reduced income will receive from the other spouse in a divorce. Ensuring that this amount is fair and accurate requires an experienced family lawyer who understands how to develop accurate budgets to determine the needs of clients. You shall want to know and understand terms such as “alimony, Alimony Pendente Lite or APL, spousal and child support”. We can and do explain these in layman’s term to ensure you understand them.

At the law firm of Iwanyshyn & Associates, we represent clients in divorce and family law issues, including child support and spousal support and alimony. With more than 30 years of legal experience, attorney Deborah Luteran Iwanyshyn is committed to finding resolutions for her clients that meet their needs and protect their best interests. As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA, license inactive), Attorney Iwanyshyn is able to look at the financial status and fairly evaluate the earnings and earning capabilities of both parties, as well as their reasonable needs.

We also work with couples in post-decree modifications to child support and parenting plans.

Spousal Support, Alimony and Alimony Pendente Lite in Pennsylvania

Before a divorce complaint is filed, while a couple is legally separated, the state of Pennsylvania allows for spousal support to be paid, as long as the parties do not continue to live at the same residence and the spouse receiving support has not engaged in an activity that constitutes a fault-based ground for divorce. Spousal support may be paid indefinitely until a divorce decree is filed.

Alimony pendente lite (APL) is similar to spousal support, but is the term used to designate support paid once a divorce has been filed but before the divorce decree has been entered and the economic issues resolved.

After the divorce and economic issues are resolved, APL stops being paid and the court may order one of the spouses to begin making alimony payments. Unlike spousal support and APL, there generally is a finite time limit on alimony, although in certain circumstances permanent alimony might be awarded. When determining the amount and duration of alimony that will be paid, there are many factors that are considered, including the financial status and future financial status of both parties. Detailed budgets are required to negotiate a fair settlement.

At Iwanyshyn & Associates, we advise our clients on the process of spousal support, alimony and APL and help them understand what their options are and what they are likely to pay or receive.

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