Factors Considered for Alimony in Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania law (23 Pa.C.S.A. 3701) mandates that Judges take into account the following factors when evaluating requests for alimony:

1. Relative earnings and earning capacities of both parties.
2. Ages, physical, mental, and emotional conditions of each party.
3. Income sources, including medical, retirement, and insurance benefits.
4. Expectancies and inheritances of the parties.
5. Duration of the marriage.
6. Contributions to education, training, or increased earning potential by either party.
7. Impact of custodial responsibilities on earning power, expenses, or financial obligations.
8. Standard of living established during the marriage.
9. Educational levels and time needed for further education or training for employment.
10. Assets and liabilities of both parties.
11. Pre-marital property brought into the marriage by either party.
12. Contributions as a homemaker by either spouse.
13. Relative needs of the parties.
14. Marital misconduct, excluding post-separation behavior except in cases of abuse.
15. Tax implications of alimony awards.
16. Insufficient property for reasonable needs, including property distributed during divorce proceedings.
17. Inability to achieve self-support through suitable employment for the party seeking alimony.