Pittsburgh Spousal Support Lawyers

Here at Schmidt Bresnahan Law Group, LLC, we understand that divorce can put a strain on personal finances. It is very common for spouses to be concerned over the amount of spousal support they are either entitled to or must pay after a divorce or separation.

Understanding Spousal Support

Spousal support consists of payments made by the higher-income party to the lower-income party. In Pennsylvania, there are three different types of spousal support: spousal support, alimony pendente lite (APL), and alimony. Spousal support is differentiated by when the payments are made.

The Different Types of Spousal Support

Spousal support:

• This type of support is paid to the financially dependent spouse after the couple has separated. 

Alimony pendente lite (APL):

• Pennsylvania law expects divorcing spouses to support each other before the final decree is issued. This type of support is paid to the financially dependent spouse once the divorce has been filed and up until the divorce is finalized and all issues related to equitable financial distribution are resolved either by the couple or the court. APL ensures both spouses can support themselves while the divorce is pending.

Alimony:

• This type of support is paid to the financially dependent spouse after the divorce is finalized and all financial matters have been resolved either through court or an agreement between both parties. The court will award alimony only if the financially dependent spouse cannot meet their financial needs and if the supporting spouse can afford to help.

Pennsylvania courts also have discretion to order post-divorce alimony. Our Pittsburgh spousal support and alimony attorneys have vast experience obtaining favorable outcomes in financial issues tied to divorce.

Exploring Different Alimony Options 

Different types of alimony can be awarded as well. These include rehabilitative alimony, permanent alimony, and reimbursement alimony.

Rehabilitative Alimony:

• Alimony payments can be awarded to a financially dependent former spouse if he/she needs time to “rehabilitate” or become financially independent.

Permanent Alimony:

• Alimony payments that are awarded to a financially dependent former spouse for that spouse’s lifetime. Lifetime alimony in PA is rarely awarded. If you are interested in learning how permanent alimony in PA works, contact us today.

Reimbursement Alimony:

• Reimbursement alimony is alimony awarded to a former spouse to reimburse them for any expenses they incurred from the other spouse. This could include educational expenses.

Contact Our Pittsburgh Spousal Support Attorneys Today 

Our Pittsburgh Spousal Support attorneys have been representing clients in middle-income, upper-income and high net worth support cases for many years. Our attorneys strive to learn and adapt to all aspects of our clients’ unique financial situations. As spousal support may be necessary for the financially dependent spouse immediately, we understand how to work through these issues with urgency and professionalism.

Throughout the support and divorce process, Schmidt Bresnahan Law Group will fight to protect your interests through effective negotiations backed by our trial proven skills. Our support attorneys are dedicated to exceptional personal service, answering your concerns and guiding you through a very difficult time in your life. Whether you're looking for rehabilitative alimony, reimbursement alimony, or permanent alimony in PA, contact our law firm for help.

To schedule an appointment with a skilled spousal support attorney, complete a form online or give us a call at (412) 693-6681 to speak with an alimony lawyer near you.