Alimony in Pennsylvania
State-specific overview · Family Law
Pennsylvania calls it 'alimony' and bases awards on need, ability to pay, and a detailed statutory factor list.
How Pennsylvania treats Alimony
Pennsylvania courts award alimony when one spouse cannot meet reasonable needs from their own income and property. The law lists 17 factors judges must consider, including length of marriage, age, health, earning capacity, education, and contributions to the other spouse's education or career. Alimony may be temporary (during divorce) or permanent, and awards can be modified if there is a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. Pennsylvania does not use a formula; judges have discretion within the statutory framework.
The general definition of Alimony
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another after divorce or separation.
Alimony is money that a court requires one spouse to pay to the other after they divorce or legally separate. It's designed to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living they had during the marriage. The amount and duration depend on factors like how long the marriage lasted, each person's income and earning ability, and their age and health. Alimony is different from child support, which is specifically for children's needs.
Read the full Alimony entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.