What is the difference between spousal support, alimony pendente lite, and alimony?
When spouses separate, the financial situation of the household is usually significantly affected. While child support orders can address the financial needs of the children, the predicament of a non-working spouse or a spouse with a limited income must also be considered. Pennsylvania family law allows for payments to be made to a spouse upon separation, prior to the filing of a divorce complaint. This is called spousal support. Spousal support in Pennsylvania is usually not available if the two parties continue to live under the same roof. However, if one party can prove that the other is not contributing to the household expenses, spousal support may be collected. In a Pennsylvania “fault” divorce, the spouse who would have to pay support has the right to an “entitlement defense”, an argument against paying support if their spouse has committed one of the fault-based grounds for divorce. There is no defined length of time that spousal support must be paid. Spousal support is paid un
