Experienced Pennsylvania Spousal Support Attorneys

At Coover & Associates, we understand the emotional weight of divorce and the pivotal role spousal support could play in your future well-being. Our dedicated team of attorneys is here to ensure that your financial rights are safeguarded, whether you’re seeking alimony or facing a claim from your spouse.

We recognize the deeply personal nature of divorce. It is a life transition that involves high stakes. That is why we’re committed to working alongside you, providing strategies and legal counsel tailored to your unique situation. When amicable resolutions prove elusive, we stand ready to advocate fiercely on your behalf in the courtroom. Our lawyers are well-versed in the complexities of Pennsylvania alimony law and bring a wealth of experience to bear in protecting your financial rights.

Understanding Spousal Support In Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, alimony is not automatic. It’s awarded only when deemed necessary, post-divorce and is based on a comprehensive review of numerous factors. These include each party’s earnings, potential income, contributions to the marriage and individual needs.

We meticulously assess all relevant factors to build a strong case for your alimony claim or defense. From evaluating earning capacities to the standard of living established during the marriage, our team works diligently to ensure that the court clearly understands your circumstances.

Answers To Common Questions About Alimony

Have questions about alimony in Pennsylvania? You may find the answers below helpful. However, we urge you to contact our skilled attorneys for case-specific answers to any additional queries you may have.

What is alimony?

Alimony is the obligation that is established by law that both spouses have to support each other during the marriage, and it may continue even after the marriage has been legally terminated. Alimony following the legal separation of a couple is not always granted, either. One of the spouses must request that alimony be paid following the legal separation of the couple, and it must be granted by a figure of the law before it can take place. The amount of the alimony to be paid and the other terms of the alimony award will be decided based on the circumstances of the separation. The terms of the alimony will also include the length of the alimony payments to be made.

Both parties of a divorce can agree on the terms of alimony in a binding written instrument prior to the legal proceedings of the divorce, and these terms are legal. If the two parties do not agree to the terms of the alimony, then they will be decided following the litigation process by the judge presiding over the hearings. The spouse that receives alimony payments from the other spouse is considered to be receiving income if it is taking place in the United States. The alimony payments are deducted from the income of the spouse who is making the payments.

What are the tax consequences of alimony?

For many years, alimony payments were tax deductible for the payer and reportable for the recipient. The Internal Revenue Code, Section 71, stated that alimony had to be included in the recipient’s income and could be excluded from the payer’s gross income. This is still the case for alimony agreements that were finalized prior to the end of 2018.

In 2019, the laws changed dramatically with the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Since 2019, alimony has been largely excluded from tax considerations. Payers can no longer expect a tax deduction and recipients no longer have to claim alimony as taxable income. Naturally, this has forced a shift in the way that many alimony awards are structured. If you are concerned about how the law will impact you as a payer or receiver of alimony, our attorneys would be happy to answer your questions and help you explore your legal options.

Let Us Help You Advance Your Financial Position

Whether negotiating out of court or representing you at trial, we’re committed to advancing your position with integrity and dedication. Our spousal support lawyers understand the legal intricacies and are equipped to handle the delicate balance of financial considerations that alimony entails.

Let Coover & Associates be your trusted ally in your alimony battle. Contact us today at 717-461-7789 or via email to schedule a free 30-minute legal consultation.