Hiring a divorce lawyer in Pennsylvania can be a challenging task. You may wish to take some preliminary steps before committing to a particular divorce lawyer. These may include:

  • Identifying any potential legal issues that might arise during the divorce (for instance, property distribution, child custody, and other issues).
  • Beginning to compile documents that might be needed during trial (bank account statements, property deeds, marriage certificate, etc.).
  • Considering what forms of marriage termination might be appropriate. Annulment, legal separation, dissolution of civil union, and other alternatives to divorce might be beneficial depending on your situation.

Lastly, be aware of the different search methods for finding a lawyer. Sometimes, calling a lawyer straight from the phone book can yield an unsatisfactory match. The lawyer might not have the background you prefer. Using online matching services such as those provided by LegalMatch might help you obtain a better match with a lawyer in a shorter amount of time.

What Is Alimony and How Is It Calculated?

Alimony is a specific legal issue that arises in many Pennsylvania divorce claims. Basically, alimony refers to monthly or periodic payments that are issued by one ex-spouse to the other after a divorce. These payments are intended to help the recipient spouse “get back on their feet” after divorce, especially if they have been dependent on the other party for many years. Alimony is also known as “spousal support.”

Alimony may be calculated according to several different factors, including:

  • Income levels of each party
  • Employment statuses
  • Potential earning capacity of each party
  • Whether or not the couple had any children and will be supporting them after divorce
  • The length of time the couple was married
  • Whether either party will be living with or will be supported by another partner after divorce
  • Various other factors

Spousal support is not ordered by the court in every divorce case. Support is only awarded in cases where the judge deems it fair and equitable to do so.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Help with Divorce Issues in Pennsylvania?

Divorce proceedings in Pennsylvania can present a number of different legal issues. These often need to be handled in a relatively short time and may require some legal expertise when dealing with them. It may be in your best interests to hire a Pennsylvania divorce lawyer if you need guidance or representation for a divorce trial.