Quick answer: Pennsylvania has two different things. Spousal support and alimony pendente lite (APL), paid while a divorce is pending or the spouses are separated, follow a guideline formula in Pa.R.Civ.P. 1910.16-4 Part B: 33% of the obligor’s net income (less support owed to others) minus 40% of the obligee’s net income, or 25% minus 30% when dependent children are part of the action, never below zero and never reducing the obligor below the $1,255 self-support reserve. Alimony after a divorce decree has no formula: under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3701 the court may allow it “as it deems reasonable” only if it finds alimony necessary, and decides the nature, amount, duration and manner of payment on seventeen factors, for a definite or indefinite period. The court must state the reasons for granting or denying it. Alimony can be modified, suspended, terminated or reinstituted on changed circumstances of a substantial and continuing nature, only for payments accruing after the petition, and the recipient’s remarriage terminates it. Marital misconduct before final separation is a factor; after separation only abuse is considered.
What this calculator shows
The calculator applies the guideline formula for spousal support and APL and shows that post-divorce alimony is for the court. The difference between the two and the formula steps are in spousal support, APL and post-divorce alimony, the factors in the seventeen alimony factors and duration, modification and termination in duration, modification and termination.
Property, child support and alimony
The court divides property without regard to marital misconduct, but alimony turns in part on the property each spouse receives. See the Pennsylvania property division calculator and the Pennsylvania child support calculator.
Alimony across Pennsylvania
The statute and the support rules apply in every county court of common pleas, from Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading or Scranton.
Frequently asked questions
How is alimony calculated in Pennsylvania?
Post-divorce alimony has no formula: the court decides on seventeen factors whether it is necessary and its amount and duration. A guideline formula applies to spousal support and alimony pendente lite during the case.
What is the Pennsylvania spousal support formula?
33% of the obligor's net income minus 40% of the obligee's (or 25% minus 30% with dependent children), limited by the $1,255 self-support reserve.
Does remarriage end Pennsylvania alimony?
Yes. Remarriage of the party receiving alimony terminates the award.
Can Pennsylvania alimony be modified?
Yes, on changed circumstances of a substantial and continuing nature, for payments accruing after the petition.
Does fault matter for Pennsylvania alimony?
Marital misconduct during the marriage before final separation is a factor; after separation the court considers only abuse.