West Chester Spousal Support Attorneys Advocate for Your Rights

Helping you establish a solid foundation for your future

A divorce brings many new challenges and a sense of uncertainty about the future. The financial effects of a divorce don’t have to be debilitating. Alimony, also known as spousal support or spousal maintenance, may be awarded in certain cases if one party is in need and the other party has the ability to pay. The Law Office of Marta S. Laynas in West Chester can guide you through the legal maze of the divorce process and serves West Chester and the surrounding communities.

Am I guaranteed to receive alimony if I get a divorce?

In a divorce, if the parties cannot reach an agreement about spousal support, the court steps in to decide if alimony is appropriate. Either party may receive alimony if the court finds it necessary. The court considers several factors, including:

• Each party’s earnings and future earning capacity
• The age, physical, mental and emotional health of each party
• The length of the marriage
• Any inheritances
• All sources of income, including medical, retirement, insurance and other benefits
• Any contributions to the education, training or earning power of the other spouse
• The standard of living established during the marriage
• The need of either party to obtain additional education or training to establish financial independence
• Any potential tax ramifications of alimony payments
• Either party’s history of marital misconduct
• The real and personal property of each party

When making an alimony determination, the court determines the duration of the spousal support and may award it for an indefinite or definite period of time that is reasonable under the circumstances. Modifications to an alimony order may be made upon a showing of a substantial and material change in circumstances for either party. Alimony terminates upon the death of either party unless another agreement is in place.

Alimony pendente lite may be useful in your case

Pennsylvania law provides for alimony pendente lite in certain cases. This type of alimony is designed to assist one party during the process of obtaining a divorce. The award may include spousal support and reasonable attorney fees and costs. Once the divorce is granted, alimony pendente lite is terminated.

Get vigorous and reliable alimony counsel from an established family law firm

The Law Office of Marta S. Laynas is conveniently located in West Chester and is less than 15 minutes from West Chester Family Court. The attorneys at the firm provide a high level of service in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Contact the firm online or call 610-692-3460 today to schedule an appointment that fits your schedule.