Spousal Support & Alimony Pendente Lite

Our office provides legal services for cases involving spousal support and alimony pendente lite. Detailed preparation is required so that the important factors are part of the presentation of the case.

In a claim for spousal support, there does not have to be a pending divorce action. The party against whom a spousal support action is filed, however, can assert an “entitlement” defense against the party seeking the spousal support order. This defense involves some form of “marital fault” by the parting seeking the spousal support and can totally prevent such an award. Alimony Pendente Lite (APL) requires an open divorce action. It provides funding for the litigation process as well as for support and maintenance. There is no “entitlement” defense to a claim for APL.

Claims for spousal support and APL are governed by the support guidelines. In some cases (such as high income cases and those where one or both of the parties are self-employed) additional evidence is necessary to determine the amount of the award. In all cases our experienced attorneys will thoroughly guide and prepare you so that the best possible result is obtained.