Lebanon Alimony Attorneys
Spousal support is not automatic in the context of a divorce, even when income levels of spouses vary significantly. There is no standard formula or guideline for determining appropriate levels of spousal support or alimony. Rather, a family law court will consider a number of factors within the total context of the divorce settlement. Examples of relevant facts may be the following:
- One spouse served as full-time homemaker throughout the marriage while the other pursued a career.
- One spouse put the other through college — perhaps through medical school or law school, while working at a lower-paying job.
- One spouse has significant health care needs that preclude him or her from being completely self-supporting.
- Violations of the marital relationship such as adultery, gambling or substance abuse have occurred.
- A marriage was short or long-lasting.
Spousal support may be called for during the period of separation leading up to the divorce. Alimony after the divorce may be temporary or permanent. It may include provisions for retraining or education of the wife or husband who must now become self-supporting for the first time in her or his adult life.
Legal challenges in connection with spousal support or alimony include:
- Making sure that all income is identified and accounted for
- Guarding against, or detecting, fraud in reporting of assets and income
- Determining when the paying spouse is hiding income — for example, by "cooking the books" in a business to make it appear that debts overwhelm income
Whether you are the spouse seeking support or alimony or the one who is expected to pay it, our lawyers are prepared to advise, guide and help protect your interests in negotiations, hearing and if need be, in court. We are honest with our clients about the costs involved in seeking support versus the anticipated gain in obtaining or reducing spousal support obligations.
Our Pennsylvania Divorce Attorneys are Here to Listen and Help
The client-centered family law practice of Montgomery & Zimmerer, L.L.C., is our profession as well as our passion. On the heels of experience in other law firms, we founded Montgomery & Zimmerer, L.L.C., with a goal of focusing on people and their problems above all. Your family law needs are the reason we are here. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn what we can do for you.
