Alimony awards are highly discretionary. APL calculations shown here are simplified estimates. Consult a licensed PA attorney for advice on your specific situation.
Spousal Support & Alimony
Pennsylvania recognizes two types of spousal support: APL (temporary support during proceedings, calculated by formula) and post-divorce alimony (discretionary, based on 17 statutory factors).
Types of Spousal Support
Alimony Pendente Lite (APL)
23 Pa.C.S.A. § 3702
Temporary support paid during the divorce proceedings to allow the dependent spouse to maintain status quo and pursue their claims.
Duration
From filing until the divorce decree is entered
Calculation
Typically 40% of the difference in net incomes (without children) or 30% of the difference (with children receiving support), minus any child support.
Alimony (Post-Divorce)
23 Pa.C.S.A. § 3701
Post-divorce support awarded based on 17 statutory factors. Unlike APL, there is no formula — judges have broad discretion.
Duration
Fixed term or indefinite, depending on circumstances
Calculation
No set formula — court weighs 17 statutory factors
APL Calculator
APL Estimator
Estimates alimony pendente lite (APL) based on the standard PA formula. Post-divorce alimony has no formula.
17 Post-Divorce Alimony Factors
Under 23 Pa.C.S.A. §3701(b), courts consider these factors when awarding post-divorce alimony:
Relative earnings and earning capacities of the parties
§ 3701(b)(1)
Ages and physical, mental, and emotional conditions of the parties
§ 3701(b)(2)
Sources of income of both parties
§ 3701(b)(3)
Expectancies and inheritances of the parties
§ 3701(b)(4)
Duration of the marriage
§ 3701(b)(5)
Contribution by one party to the education, training, or increased earning power of the other party
§ 3701(b)(6)
Extent to which earning power, expenses, or financial obligations will be affected by being the custodial parent
§ 3701(b)(7)
Standard of living established during the marriage
§ 3701(b)(8)
Relative education of the parties and the time necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the party seeking alimony to find appropriate employment
§ 3701(b)(9)
Relative assets and liabilities of the parties
§ 3701(b)(10)
Property brought to the marriage by either party
§ 3701(b)(11)
Contribution of a spouse as homemaker
§ 3701(b)(12)
Relative needs of the parties
§ 3701(b)(13)
Marital misconduct during the marriage (not after final separation)
§ 3701(b)(14)
Federal, state, and local tax ramifications of the alimony award
§ 3701(b)(15)
Whether the party seeking alimony lacks sufficient property to provide for their reasonable needs
§ 3701(b)(16)
Whether the party seeking alimony is incapable of self-support through appropriate employment
§ 3701(b)(17)
Child Support →
Child support reduces APL amounts.
Property Division →
Property distribution affects alimony analysis.
Divorce Process →
APL applies from filing until divorce decree.
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