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PA Spousal Support Calculator

Calculate Pennsylvania spousal support and alimony pendente lite (APL) using the official PA guidelines formula. Effective January 1, 2019.

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Legal Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates only based on PA guidelines (231 Pa. Code § 1910.16-4). Actual support may differ based on court discretion and specific circumstances. This is NOT legal advice—consult a Pennsylvania family law attorney for your situation.

💼 Income Information

$

After taxes, Social Security, Medicare

$

After taxes, Social Security, Medicare

📐 Formula Applied:

(33% × Higher) − (40% × Lower)

💰 Estimated Spousal Support

Monthly Support

$0

$0 / year

📊 Calculation Breakdown:

33% of $5,000$0
40% of $2,000− $0
Support Amount$0

➡️ Payment Direction: Higher earner ($5,000/mo) pays lower earner ($2,000/mo)

Income Difference:$3,000
Support as % of Difference:0.0%

📊 PA Spousal Support Quick Reference

Monthly support amounts based on PA guidelines formula

Higher EarnerLower EarnerNo Children (33/40)With Children (25/30)
$4,000/mo$1,000/mo$920$700
$5,000/mo$2,000/mo$850$650
$6,000/mo$2,500/mo$980$750
$7,000/mo$3,000/mo$1,110$850
$8,000/mo$3,500/mo$1,240$950
$10,000/mo$4,000/mo$1,700$1,300
$12,000/mo$5,000/mo$1,960$1,500

* Net income = gross income minus taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and mandatory deductions. Actual amounts may vary.

📋 Three Types of Support in Pennsylvania

1️⃣ Spousal Support

When: After separation, before divorce complaint is filed

Calculation: Formula-based (this calculator)

2️⃣ Alimony Pendente Lite (APL)

When: After divorce complaint filed, until divorce finalized

Calculation: Same formula as spousal support

3️⃣ Post-Divorce Alimony

When: After divorce is final

Calculation: No formula—court considers 17 statutory factors

📐 PA Spousal Support Formula Explained

Without Dependent Children

Support = (33% × Higher Income) − (40% × Lower Income)

With Dependent Children

Support = (25% × Higher Income) − (30% × Lower Income)

* Lower percentages because child support will also be calculated separately

📝 Net Income Includes:

  • Wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions
  • Business income, rental income
  • Interest, dividends, investments
  • Social Security, disability benefits
  • Minus: taxes, Social Security, Medicare, mandatory deductions

📌 Key Points

Tax Status: Not deductible/taxable (post-2019)

Adultery: May disqualify from receiving

Ends: Remarriage, death, reconciliation

Calculated: Before child support (post-2019)

❌ What Disqualifies You

  • Proven adultery
  • Criminal conduct against spouse
  • Abuse or domestic violence
  • Voluntary unemployment to avoid paying

Frequently Asked Questions

Pennsylvania uses a formula-based calculation for spousal support and APL (Alimony Pendente Lite). Without dependent children: (33% × higher earner's net income) - (40% × lower earner's net income). With dependent children: (25% × higher earner's net income) - (30% × lower earner's net income). Net income is gross income minus taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and mandatory deductions.

In Pennsylvania, 'fair' is determined by the statutory formula. For example, if one spouse earns $6,000/month net and the other earns $2,000/month net with no children, support would be $1,180/month ($6,000 × 33% - $2,000 × 40%). The formula ensures consistency across cases, though courts can deviate in exceptional circumstances.

In Pennsylvania, adultery can disqualify a spouse from receiving spousal support. If proven, the unfaithful spouse loses their right to spousal support (though APL may still be awarded during divorce proceedings). Other factors include criminal conduct against the spouse, abuse, or voluntary unemployment to avoid paying support.

Spousal support continues until: (1) the divorce complaint is filed (then it converts to APL), (2) the spouses reconcile, (3) the receiving spouse remarries or cohabitates, or (4) either spouse dies. APL continues until the divorce is finalized. Post-divorce alimony duration varies based on marriage length and other factors—there's no set formula.

Spousal Support is paid after separation but before divorce filing. APL (Alimony Pendente Lite) is paid during divorce proceedings—both use the same formula. Post-divorce Alimony is paid after divorce is final and has no set formula; courts consider 17 factors including marriage length, earning capacity, age, health, and standard of living.

Since January 1, 2019 (per the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act), spousal support, APL, and alimony are NOT tax-deductible for the payer and NOT taxable income for the recipient for federal taxes. Pennsylvania state tax treatment follows federal rules. This change significantly impacted how support is calculated.

⚖️ Important: This calculator provides estimates based on Pennsylvania support guidelines (231 Pa. Code § 1910.16-4). Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Courts may deviate from guidelines based on specific circumstances. For accurate legal guidance, consult a licensed Pennsylvania family law attorney.