Spousal Support in Pennsylvania
State-specific overview · Family Law
Pennsylvania courts award alimony based on need and ability to pay, with no automatic termination upon remarriage of the recipient.
How Pennsylvania treats Spousal Support
Pennsylvania law allows courts to award alimony when one spouse cannot support themselves through appropriate employment. Unlike many states, Pennsylvania does not automatically terminate alimony if the receiving spouse remarries, though the payor may petition to modify or terminate based on changed circumstances. Courts consider factors including each spouse's income, earning capacity, age, health, standard of living, and length of marriage. Alimony may be temporary (during divorce proceedings) or permanent (after divorce is final).
The general definition of Spousal Support
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another, typically during or after divorce proceedings.
Spousal support, also called maintenance or alimony, is money one spouse pays to the other to help with living expenses during or after a divorce. It recognizes that one spouse may have sacrificed career opportunities during the marriage or may have lower earning potential. Courts consider factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning ability, and their age and health when determining if support is appropriate and how much to award. Spousal support can be temporary (lasting only during the divorce process) or permanent (continuing indefinitely or for a set period).
Read the full Spousal Support 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.