Alimony, APL, and Spousal Support:
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you represent me in my support matter?
- My spouse makes more money than me – can I receive support during or after the divorce?
- Are there different types of support?
- How does a court decide whether to award support to a financially dependent spouse?
- I pay alimony – can I monitor how it is used?
- When can I stop paying alimony?
- Are there different types of alimony?
Can you represent me in my support matter?
Yes. Spivak Law Firm represents people in Pittsburgh and throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania on all family law matters, including alimony, alimony pendente lite (APL), and spousal support. To schedule an appointment with a family law attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
My spouse makes more money than me – can I receive support during or after the divorce?
Maybe. In some cases, a spouse who earns significantly less income than the other spouse may be awarded support. Such support may be awarded during the divorce so both parties can afford legal counsel, and after the divorce depending on a variety of factors. To learn more, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Are there different types of support?
Yes. There are three types of support that may be awarded to a financially dependent spouse. First, spousal support may be awarded after the spouses have separated but before a divorce complaint is filed. Second, alimony pendente lite (APL) may be awarded after a divorce complaint is filed until all financial issues are resolved. Third, alimony may be awarded after the divorce decree is finalized. For more information, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
How does a court decide whether to award support to a financially dependent spouse?
Courts consider several factors when determining if support will be awarded to a financially dependent spouse, including: length of the marriage; ages of both spouses; work histories of both spouses; health and ability of each spouse to work; and relative earnings and earning capacities of the spouses. To have an attorney review your case, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
I pay alimony – can I monitor how it is used?
No. The defendant in a support action cannot, as part of support proceedings, ask to see receipts showing how spousal support, alimony pendent lite (APL), or alimony is used by the plaintiff. To learn more, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
When can I stop paying alimony?
Alimony is usually terminated when the recipient spouse begins residing with another person in a marriage-like relationship or when the recipient spouse remarries or dies. To schedule a consultation, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Are there different types of alimony?
Yes, there are three types of alimony. Permanent alimony may be given to a financially dependent former spouse for life. Rehabilitative alimony may be awarded to a financially dependent former spouse who requires a specific amount of time to improve job prospects with education or training. Reimbursement alimony may be granted to a former spouse as repayment for expenses incurred during the marriage. For more information, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Contact Our Pittsburgh Law Firm Today
Call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390. Our Pittsburgh office is open during normal business hours, as well as evenings and weekends by appointment.
Spivak Law Firm represents clients in Pittsburgh and all surrounding counties, including: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Washington County and Westmoreland County. We accept cases in Armstrong County, Clarion County, Crawford County, Fayette County, Greene County, Indiana County, Lawrence County, Mercer County, Somerset County and Venango County.