Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania
My husband sued me for a no fault divorce back in December. I picked up his complaint on Dec.31,2010. He left me back on October 2, 2009. He is currently paying me spousal support (interim). I was told that means temporary. I have NOT responded to his divorce complaint. They said I had 30 days to respond, and I went to see an attorney, and he told me it would cost me $500 to have representation, and I didn't get FREE help like I thought I should! My question is...Am I screwed out of my alimony then when October 2, 2011 comes and they say I am divorced by default? I was under the impression alimony would be automatic when I am divorced. Someone also told me if I get alimony, it would be LESS than the spousal support he has been paying me since he left! UGH! Please tell me what I need to do to get alimony for the rest of my life? I am on SSI and I am living in public housing to make ends meet. They reduced my SSI because I am getting alimony from him. Does he have to take the divorce decree to the Domestic Relations Office to show them that he is dovorced and NO ALIMONY was in the decree? HELP!!
2 Answers from Attorneys
Why do you think you should get free help?
{John}
You will need an attorney and I would suggest that you retain one asap. If a counter claim and new matter with a count for alimony isn't filed timely, then you will lose all rights to any claim forever. You are not automtically given alimony when the divorce is over. A claim for it must be made through the proper pleading and then there will be hearings on that matter. As to the amount of alimony... That depends. The court takes a number of factors into consideration. It may or may not be less than your spousal support.
Basically, if you want alimony, you need to retain a lawyer right away.
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