Pennsylvania provides for the payment of monetary support to a dependent spouse after the dissolution of a marriage. Whether or not alimony is awarded is based upon the court's finding that alimony is necessary.

The basic considerations for the court are the needs of the dependent spouse and the ability of the payor spouse to pay. the statutory factors (23 Pa.CSA 3701(b)) which go into that determination are:

- relative earnings and earning capacities of the parties, and all sources of income;

- age and health (physical, emotional and mental) of the parties;

- custodial responsibilities for children and what effect those responsibilities have on earning capacity;

- relative assets and liabilities of each party;

- property brought into the marriage by each party;

- contributions of either spouse as homemaker and child-care provider;

- the parties' educational backgrounds;

- contributions by one spouse to the education, training, earning potential, and/or career of the other spouse;

- tax impact of an award of alimony; and

- relative needs of the parties.

The court has discretion to award alimony permanently, or for a defined period of time, depending upon the circumstances of the case (23 Pa. CSA 3701(c)). Alimony terminates upon the death of either party or the remarriage of the supported spouse.

If you have a family law issue, our firm handles these types of cases on a daily basis. Call Attorney Artim at (412) 823-8003 to schedule your initial appointment. If you prefer, send an email to Attorney Greg Artim