Pennsylvania

Marriage & Family Law Home

In the state of Pennsylvania, when a divorce has been decreed, or the process of divorce begins, the court may allow alimony payments to be made. Alimony is only ordered when the court finds it necessary. When deciding the nature, amount, duration, and manner of payment of alimony the court will consider many relevant factors.

Relevant factors to an alimony case include anything the court finds to be relevant, but the most commonly considered factors include:

• The relative income and earning abilities of both parties



• The ages and the physical and mental health of both parties


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Where Could I Reference the Maximum Amount for Child Support?

The maximum amount of any attachment for child and medical support is set forth by the federal Consumer Credit Protection Act. ....... Click here to get more info on Child Support

Grandparents and great-grandparents

In ordering partial physical custody or supervised physical custody to a party who has standing , the court shall consider the following: ....... Click here to get more info on Custody

What are the Options for Divorce?

In Pennsylvania a couple seeking a divorce can choose either no-fault grounds or can choose the option of filing on traditional fault grounds.

Grounds for divorce include:

• adultery



• cruelty/violence towards the other spouse



• desertion for 1 or more years.



• insanity resulting in confined for more than 18 months


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How are Visitation Rights Requested?

Pennsylvania law states that a biological parent of a minor child may request visitation rights as part of an open divorce, parentage or custody case or may file a petition for visitation in none of these circumstances apply.

The court will consider whether a visitation arrangement is in the "best interests of the child." Factors considered will include: the well being of the child, the child's relationship with siblings and other relatives, parental preferences, the child's wishes and any history child abuse or domestic violence.

A court may grant visitation to a grandparent if at least one of the child's parents is ....... Click here to get more info on Visitation

What Classifies as Equitable Division?

Under Pennsylvania law, marital property is that which is acquired or is a direct result of the labor and investments of the parties during the marriage is subject to equitable division. Equitable division does not mean marital property is divided equally, it is divided in manner that results in a fair or equitable result for each spouse.

Courts will consider the following factors:

each spouse’s share of the marital property; monetary; the economic circumstances of each spouse; the conduct of each spouse including any marital misconduct' ; the value of the marital property and whether each spouse will suppor ....... Click here to get more info on Property Division