Spousal Support Lawyers In Doylestown, PA

Doylestown, PA Spousal Support Attorneys

Navigating a divorce can be one of the most challenging times in a person’s life. Spousal support,  colloquially known as alimony, can help provide financial stability during this transition. Alimony helps you maintain a similar standard of living after separation, which is important for your emotional well-being and security.

Understanding the assistance you may require to navigate a spousal support case is crucial, and having legal representation can greatly impact the outcome of your case.

At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, we recognize the emotional and financial difficulties you may be facing. Our family law attorneys are here to guide you through the spousal support process.

Contact us so we can advocate for your rights and help you secure a fair support arrangement that meets your needs. You can also visit:

Doylestown Office
(267) 938-4480
123 N Broad Street, Doylestown, PA 18901
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The Types of Alimony We Handle in Doylestown, PA

Our spousal support attorneys in Doylestown, PA handle various types of alimony. We aim to ensure your financial needs are met during and after your divorce.

We help you understand which type best fits your situation:

Rehabilitative Alimony

This type of alimony is temporary and helps you while you work toward becoming financially independent. It usually covers a period where you’re gaining new job skills or completing education.

Permanent Alimony

Permanent alimony is long-term if you cannot become self-sufficient due to age, disability, or limited job skills. It provides ongoing assistance when you’re unable to support yourself.

Reimbursement Alimony

If you supported your ex-spouse financially during their education or career advancement, you can seek reimbursement alimony. It compensates you for those financial sacrifices you made for your partner’s success when you were married.

Our experienced spousal attorneys are here to help you navigate these options and ensure your rights are protected. Let them guide you through this process and help you get the support you deserve.

We Can Help You Understand How the Courts Determine Spousal Support

In Doylestown, PA, courts decide spousal support based on the law found in 23 PA Cons Stat § 3701 (2023). They look at many factors to decide if alimony is necessary and how much should be paid. Here are the factors they consider:

• The income and earning abilities of both spouses.
• The ages and health conditions of both spouses.
• Other income sources, like benefits or pensions.
• Expected inheritances or money from family.
• The duration of the marriage.
• Help one spouse gave to the other’s education or job training.
• How caring for a child affects a spouse’s ability to earn money.
• The standard of living during the marriage.
• The education or training needed for a spouse to find a job.
• The assets and debts of each spouse.
• Property brought into the marriage by either spouse.
• The work done by a spouse at home.
• The needs of both spouses.
• Any misconduct by either spouse during the marriage.
• The tax effects of the alimony award.
• If the spouse asking for alimony has enough property to meet their needs.
• If the spouse can support themselves through appropriate employment.

At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, we leverage our years of experience to apply these legal factors to your unique circumstances. We’ll work with you to understand your spousal support obligations and guide you through negotiating your marital settlement agreement.

We aim to get the best outcome for you, including a flat fee spousal payment to achieve a quicker and clearer resolution.

Lump Sum Or Monthly Spousal Support? Which One Is Best For Me?

Our attorneys can help you explore options like negotiated marital settlements and lump sum payments. A lump sum payment allows for a fresh start without ongoing obligations, but it can be hard to pay upfront. In contrast, monthly payments are often easier to manage but involve ongoing payments.

Here are the benefits:

To the Payer:

• Pay in “today’s money” and avoid future financial obligations.
• You won’t keep in constant contact with the ex-spouse.
• There are potential tax advantages.

To the Recipient:

• Receive cash upfront, which you can use for significant investments like starting a business or pursuing education.
• Greater financial security relying on future payments.
• Freedom to manage finances independently.

Our attorneys assess your unique circumstances to help you choose the most beneficial arrangement for your financial security.

We’ll Also Help You Calculate Spousal Support

Spousal support is calculated using a formula found in Rule 1910.16-4 of the Pennsylvania code. This formula considers the income of both spouses and adjusts based on whether you have children.

Without Children:

First, the court finds 33% of the higher-earning spouse’s monthly income after taxes and 40% of the lower-earning spouse’s monthly income after taxes. To determine the spousal support amount, they subtract the second number from the first.

For example:
If the husband earns $10,000 a month and the wife earns $6,000:

1. Calculate 33% of the husband’s income:
   10,000  ×  0.33  =  3,300
2. Calculate 40% of the wife’s income:
   6,000   ×  0.40  =  2,400
3. Subtract the wife’s amount from the husband’s:
   3,300  −  2,400  =  900

So, the husband would pay the wife $900 per month in spousal support.

With Children:

If you have children, the formula changes. The court calculates 30% of the difference in their net incomes instead of using the 33% and 40% rates.

For example:
Using the same incomes:

1. Calculate the difference in income:
   10,000  −  6,000  =  4,000
2. Calculate 30% of the income difference:
   4,000  ×  0.30  =  1,200

In this case, the husband would pay the wife $1,200 per month in spousal support.

It can be somehow confusing how to calculate this amount. But, our attorneys can help you understand how these calculations apply to your situation. We’ll work with you to gather the necessary financial information and advocate for a fair support amount based on your needs.

You Want the Spousal Support Order Modified? We Have You Covered

Life doesn’t always stay the same after divorce. Whether you lost your job or your ex has moved in with someone new, these circumstances can complicate your ability to keep up with the original alimony order.

But don’t worry; spousal support isn’t set in stone and Pennsylvania law allows you to adjust payments if there’s a big shift in income or lifestyle.

We can help you reduce or terminate spousal support when the right conditions are met, like a drop in income or your ex-spouse remarries. If your situation has changed, we’ll gather the necessary proof to support your case, file the petition, present evidence, and argue your case.

Choosing Our Award-winning Spousal Support Attorneys Is a Smart Move

As you plan for your future and spousal support becomes a major concern, you don’t have to navigate it alone. You deserve a legal team that understands the law and what you’re going through.

Here’s why choosing spousal attorneys at Petrelli Previtera, LLC is a smart move:

• We listen and offer clear, thoughtful advice during difficult times.
• Our attorneys are experienced in Doylestown, PA spousal support law.
• As an 5000 firm, we’re one of the fastest-growing law firms in the country.
• We offer personalized attention.
• Our firm has earned honors like being named in Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, The National Advocates Top 100 Lawyers, and more!
• We boast a long list of satisfied clients.
• Strong negotiation and litigation skills you can count on.
• We focus on results: get you the best possible outcome with minimal stress.

We’ve earned a coveted spot and received both local and national recognition as top-tier family lawyers. Very few firms in the country can boast the same.

So, why wait? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let our award-winning attorneys protect your interests.