spousal support in pa

[janetkay]

What is the name of your state? penna. i was married 2/2002 in virginia. he is ready for divorce. i need to know if i can get spousal support? for how long? what other obligations he would have regarding bills (medical, legal, utility etc.) we made together and what are the laws governing support determinations in pa? i need some advice. thank you for your time.

 

[stealth2]

I can't see *any* judge granting you alimony for a 7 month marriage. All things considered, with such a short marriage, I'd bet the judge would just tell each of you to take what you came with, and split what you did together - both assets and liabilities.

 

[annefan1000]

Assuming you both are current residents of Pennsylvania, and you are filing for divorce, there are many types of spousal support. Two commonly known are Alimony (full blown spousal support with stipulated restrictions such as duration of support and qualifying terms such as remarriage etc.) and Alimony Pendente Lite (popular form of spousal support with very little restrictions except that once the divorce is final, the support usually ceases). All forms of spousal support in Pennsylvania are calculated with a formula based upon both incomes of the parties, the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage and the contribution toward the marital home).

Regarding the debts issue: The parties are generally each solely responsible for any debt incurred in his/her own name during the marriage. Any joint debt obligations would make each party equally responsible (Remember a property settlement or divorce agreement does not excuse you from a joint debt obligation no matter who is specified to assume responsibility for what! A settlement agreement is between the divorcing parties only, and creditors are not bound to such agreement whatsoever.

Good luck to you.

 

[janetkay]

thank you guys for the info. i know i don't need to explain my sit because the law is the law but, this marriage was not something we jumped into. we were together for 3 yrs. we lived together almost that whole time. he has promised, verbally of course, to pay so much every 2 wks. i think that verbally probably means nothing. he just left me in a really bad situation, not just monetarily.

 

[annefan1000]

Correct. In the divorce realm, verbal means nothing.

 

[janetkay]

hey, another question. if i go to my husband's lawyer's office with him when he files for divorce, can i just sign the papers that same day or will i have to wait for them to go thru some kind of court b 4 i can have them and sign them? my husband says i'll have to wait, but that i can go with him if i want. i'd like to go if i can sign the same day that he files. any info please.

 

[annefan1000]

First the attorney needs to file a petition for divorce with the prothonotary. Your signature is not needed on this document unless you are the Plaintiff. You will be needed to sign the Affidavit of Service (documentation that you received the divorce petition), but I doubt this will be ready the very moment your spouse files for divorce. The petition must be filed with the court and time stamped before you get a copy, and unless the attorney is a short walk across the street from the courthouse, you will not likely be served with the divorce petition on the spot. Personally, I think it's not necessary for you to be in attendance. However, also keep in mind that it is considered a conflict if you use his attorney to represent you.