Spousal Support

Pennsylvania Spousal Support

At our Pittsburgh law firm, Gillotti, Capistro & Beck, P.C., we help clients with matters related to spousal support. Spousal support is typically awarded during a pre-divorce separation period. Our attorneys work with forensic accountants to identify income and assets. We develop proposals for spousal support payments based on a sophisticated analysis of resources available. For more information about paying or receiving spousal support, contact an attorney who understands the issues involved. We will use our experience and network of experts to assist you.

The courts do not automatically award spousal support. For example, if a separated couple still lives in the same house, support would be awarded only if one person did not contribute to household expenses. If one spouse has committed adultery, been convicted of a crime, or deserted the marriage—all grounds for a Pennsylvania fault-based divorce—the court may deny support to that spouse after the paying spouse has raised an entitlement defense. If the marriage has been very short, the court could reduce the amount and duration of spousal support.

The plaintiff in a support case (the person requesting support) can request payment for things such as health insurance and day care costs in addition to regular household expenses. To receive support, the plaintiff files a support complaint with the domestic relations office of the county court. If you file for divorce, spousal support is frequently converted automatically to alimony pendente lite.

Failing to pay the spousal support ordered by the court can result in wage attachment, seizure of assets, jail time, liens on real estate, and other penalties. If you are not receiving ordered support payments, or if you believe you may be found in contempt of a support order, contact an experienced attorney. At the law firm of Gillotti, Capristo, & Beck, P.C., we have been helping people obtain and defend against support orders for more than 25 years. Let us put our experience to work for you in any support matter.