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Pennsylvania Alimony Calculator (2026)

Under Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 1910.16‑4, the courts calculate temporary spousal support—known as alimony pendente lite—using a fixed percentage formula that differs depending on whether the couple shares minor children.

Reviewed 2026-08-27 · Estimates only — not legal or financial advice. · Ver esta página en español

After taxes and mandatory deductions.
After taxes.
The law behind this calculator: Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, support guidelines (spousal support / alimony pendente lite) — 231 Pa. Code Rule 1910.16-4.

How Pennsylvania calculates it

  • Determine each spouse’s monthly net income from their annual net figures.
  • Identify if the marriage includes minor children in common.
  • If there are no minor children, multiply the payor’s net monthly income by 33% and the payee’s net monthly income by 40%; if there are minor children, use 25% for the payor and 30% for the payee.
  • Subtract the payee amount from the payor amount; if the result is negative, the guideline support is set to $0.
  • The resulting figure is the guideline monthly alimony paid during separation while the divorce is pending.

Worked example

In the example with no minor children, the higher‑earning spouse earns $84,000 per year net ($7,000 per month) and the lower‑earning spouse earns $36,000 per year net ($3,000 per month). Applying the formula, 33% of $7,000 equals $2,310 and 40% of $3,000 equals $1,200; the guideline monthly support is the difference, $1,110.

Frequently asked questions

Do I qualify for temporary alimony in Pennsylvania if we have no children?

Yes. Pennsylvania applies the guideline formula even when there are no minor children, using 33% of the higher‑earning spouse’s net income minus 40% of the lower‑earning spouse’s net income to determine support.

How is alimony pendente lite taxed in Pennsylvania?

Alimony pendente lite is treated as taxable income to the recipient and deductible by the payor for federal tax purposes; Pennsylvania follows the federal treatment, so the recipient must report it on their state tax return.

What if the higher‑earning spouse also pays child support?

The guideline alimony calculation uses each spouse’s net income after all deductions; the separate child‑support obligation does not reduce the alimony amount, but the net income figures should already reflect any deductions.

Can a Pennsylvania court deviate from the guideline amount?

The guideline provides a starting point, but the court may adjust the amount up or down based on the 17 statutory factors, such as length of marriage, health, and earning capacity.

Has Pennsylvania recently changed the alimony pendente lite percentages?

No recent amendment has altered the percentages; Rule 1910.16‑4 still sets the rates at 33%/40% without children and 25%/30% with children.

Is the calculation different in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh or Allentown?

No. 231 Pa. Code Rule 1910.16-4 applies statewide, so courts in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown and every other county start from the same guideline. Local practice can differ in how judges weigh deviation factors and in typical negotiated outcomes, but the formula on this page is the one used across Pennsylvania.

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StateTally. (2026). Pennsylvania Alimony Calculator (2026). Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://statetally.com/alimony/pennsylvania/