Spousal Support Attorneys in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

When going through a divorce, couples need to deal with a plethora of issues on top of emotional burden and heartache. One of those issues is the potential payment of spousal support by one spouse to another spouse.  

At the Law Office of Shabbick & Stehle, we understand what you're going through and are here to guide you every step of the way. With over 40 years of experience handling divorces and family law matters in Pennsylvania, we know that a divorce can take a heavy toll on spouses’ finances and standard of living. But we also know that the obligation to financially support a spouse for years to come (or, in some cases, indefinitely) can be too much to handle.  

Whether you are looking to request spousal support in your divorce case or you think you could be ordered to financially support your spouse, we can help. Our spousal support attorneys are based in Bethlehem and Palmerton, but also serve clients in Lehigh Valley and throughout Lehigh County, Carbon County, and Northampton County.  

What Is Spousal Support? 

Spousal support is financial assistance that one spouse pays to the other during or after a divorce. The purpose is to ensure that the lower-income spouse can maintain a similar lifestyle and standard of living to what they were accustomed to during the marriage. Financial stability may be one of your top concerns when moving forward post-divorce, and spousal support aims to provide just that.  

Spousal support can be temporary or permanent, depending on various factors. Temporary support is often provided while the divorce proceedings are ongoing, while permanent support may be awarded after the divorce is finalized. In Pennsylvania, spousal support is designed to balance the financial disparities between spouses and is not intended to be punitive. 

Difference Between Spousal Support and Alimony in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the terms "spousal support" and "alimony" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct legal meanings. Spousal support refers to payments made before the divorce is finalized, whereas alimony is financial support provided after the divorce. 

Spousal support can be awarded as soon as one spouse files for divorce and usually ends once the divorce decree is issued. Alimony, on the other hand, is determined during the finalization of the divorce and can continue for a specified period or indefinitely, depending on the court's decision. 

Types of Alimony and Spousal Support in Pennsylvania

Alimony or spousal support can be structured in a variety of ways. Some of the most common types of arrangements include:  

1. Post-Divorce Alimony 

Post-divorce alimony is the financial support awarded after the divorce is finalized. It aims to help the lower-earning spouse transition to a self-sufficient lifestyle. Courts consider various factors, including the length of the marriage and the earning capacities of both spouses, to determine the amount and duration of post-divorce alimony. 

2. Alimony Pendente Lite 

Alimony pendente lite is temporary financial support provided during divorce proceedings. Its purpose is to maintain the status quo and ensure that both spouses can manage their financial responsibilities while the divorce is in progress. This type of alimony helps cover living expenses and legal fees until the divorce is finalized. 

3. Spousal Support 

Spousal support is financial assistance provided before the divorce is finalized and is typically awarded when one spouse needs immediate financial help. This support ensures that both spouses can meet their basic needs and maintain their standard of living during the separation period. 

4. Equitable Reimbursement Alimony 

Equitable reimbursement alimony is awarded to reimburse one spouse for contributions made to the other spouse's education or career advancement during the marriage. For instance, if one spouse worked to support the other while they pursued higher education, the court might award equitable reimbursement alimony to compensate for that contribution. 

If you aren’t sure which type of arrangement is appropriate in your specific situation, you might want to speak with our Lehigh Valley spousal support attorneys at the Law Office of Shabbick & Stehle.  

Factors Courts Consider When Deciding if Spousal Support Is Necessary

Courts in Pennsylvania take various factors into account when determining whether spousal support is necessary. These factors ensure that the decision is fair and equitable for both parties. Pursuant to Section 3701 of the Pennsylvania Divorce Code, some of the key factors include:   

• Length of the marriage 

• Age and health of both spouses 

• Income and earning capacity of both spouses 

• Contribution of each spouse to the marriage (financial and non-financial) 

• Standard of living established during the marriage 

• Financial needs and obligations of both spouses 

• Education and training of the spouse seeking support 

• Availability of employment opportunities for the spouse seeking support 

• Assets and liabilities of both spouses 

These factors help the court assess the financial situation of both parties and make an informed decision regarding spousal support. 

How Long Does Alimony Last? 

The duration of alimony varies based on several factors, including the length of the marriage and the financial circumstances of both spouses. In some cases, alimony may be awarded for a fixed period, while in others, it may be indefinite, though such arrangements are rather rare.  

Temporary alimony, such as alimony pendente lite, usually lasts until the divorce is finalized. Post-divorce alimony can last for a set number of years or until a specific event occurs, such as the recipient spouse remarrying or becoming self-sufficient. The court may also order rehabilitative alimony, which provides support for a limited time to allow the recipient spouse to gain education or training to become financially independent. 

How a Lehigh Valley Spousal Support Attorney Can Help

Working with an attorney can have a positive impact on the outcome of your case, whether you are the spouse seeking spousal support or the one trying to defend your income. Here are six ways our attorneys at the Law Office of Shabbick & Stehle, can assist you: 

• Personalized guidance. We provide advice on your rights and obligations regarding spousal support tailored to your unique circumstances.  

• Negotiations. Our attorneys can negotiate on your behalf to reach a fair spousal support agreement. 

• Documentation. We handle all the paperwork and documentation required to prove your request for spousal support or defend yourself against one.  

• Representation. We represent you in and outside of the courtroom to ensure your interests are protected. 

• Modifications. If your financial circumstances change, we can help you seek modifications to the spousal support order. 

• Enforcement. If your former spouse fails to make the required payments, we can assist you in enforcing the spousal support order. 

At the Law Office of Shabbick & Stehle, our goal is to ensure that you receive the support you need and deserve during this difficult time in your life.  

We Represent Those Seeking Spousal Support and Those Who Are Likely to Pay Spousal Support

Our results-driven attorneys at the Law Office of Shabbick & Stehle, understand that both sides of a spousal support case have unique challenges. Whether you are seeking spousal support or the one ordered to pay it, our team is here to help. 

• Seeking spousal support? For those seeking spousal support, we strive to secure the financial assistance you need to maintain your standard of living. We work diligently to present a compelling case to the court, highlighting the factors that justify the financial support to which you are entitled.  

• May be obligated to pay spousal support? For those who are likely to pay spousal support, we aim to ensure that the support order is fair and reasonable. We carefully analyze your financial situation and advocate for a support arrangement that considers your ability to pay while maintaining your financial stability. 

Our commitment is to provide personalized legal representation tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.