Alimony And Child Support

Spousal and child support are common financial obligations that come up during divorce proceedings. Both aim to provide monetary assistance to a financially dependent individual after a family separation.

What Is Alimony?

Alimony is when one spouse provides financial support to the other. Typically, the higher wage-earning spouse pays alimony. This payment provides adequate income for the spouse who depended financially on the other.

There are many factors that the Court will consider when determining the appropriate amount and duration of alimony:

First, there’s their age, health, how they’re feeling emotionally and their financial situation. Then, we should think about how long it might take for one of them to get the education or training needed to become independent. It’s also good to reflect on how they lived during their marriage, how long they were married, and whether the person who would provide support can do so while still being able to take care of themselves.

Generally, alimony amounts are modifiable if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as the paying party’s job loss or the receiving party’s higher-paying job. In Pennsylvania, you must clearly state in any written agreement about alimony payments that the court can modify the alimony due to changed circumstances, or else the court will not have the authority to alter it.

Because there is a significant difference in alimony laws between New Jersey and Pennsylvania, it is very important to consult with an attorney who is familiar with the laws in both states.

What Is Child Support?

Child support is money the parent without custody gives to the one with custody to help cover the child’s costs, no matter who earns more. However, if the parents have equally shared physical custody, then the higher-earning parent will typically have to pay some amount of child support to the lower-earning parent.

Both New Jersey and Pennsylvania use Child Support Guidelines to determine how much child support one parent must pay to the other. However, when the parties’ combined net incomes are significant, these guidelines may not apply.

The payment of child support from one parent to the other typically covers the vast majority of a child’s expenses. The Child Support Guidelines may not cover extraordinary expenses such as childcare and post-secondary education.

If you have further questions regarding child support, contact our lawyers at Wilhelm & Roemersma, P.C. We will explain the eligibility requirements and obligations that apply to your situation.

We Can Help

If you are in need of assistance regarding alimony or child support, please do not hesitate to contact our attorneys online or at 908-454-3200. We are here to assist you in any way that we can.