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Montgomery County Spousal Support Lawyer

Do You Need a Montgomery County Spousal Support Attorney?

At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., we understand that divorce and separation bring a wave of emotional, financial, and legal challenges. One of the most contested issues during this time is spousal support. Whether you expect to receive support, or are concerned about having to pay it, having an experienced Montgomery County spousal support lawyer in your corner can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.

Pennsylvania’s spousal support laws are nuanced, and without proper legal guidance, you could end up agreeing to terms that are financially devastating or fail to secure the support you need.

Why Choose Us Over Other Spousal Support Lawyers in Montgomery County

Every case is unique. Whether you're dealing with temporary support during litigation or negotiating the terms of a long-term maintenance order, you need someone who understands the legal landscape, knows what to expect from local judges, and can advocate for your interests every step of the way.

Here’s why so many people in Montgomery County have come to trust Sheryl R. Rentz:

Over 30 years of experience practicing family law in Pennsylvania
Listed in Suburban Life Magazine as a Top Attorney
Rated Superb on Avvo by past clients
Secretary and Co-chair of the Montgomery Bar Association
Deep understanding of local court procedures and judicial expectations
Compassionate, detail-oriented representation tailored to your goals and circumstances

Protect Your Financial Future Today

Call (610) 645-0100 to schedule a consultation where we can discuss your spousal support case.

Reasons to See an Attorney Right Away

Too many people wait until they're overwhelmed or blindsided before consulting with a spousal support lawyer. Here are some important reasons why seeing a Montgomery County divorce attorney early in the process is beneficial for clients:

Protecting your financial rights before temporary or permanent support orders are issued
Preparing and preserving documentation necessary for accurate income and expense analysis
Preventing missteps in negotiation or communication that could be used against you in court
Understanding your rights and obligations early to avoid surprises or bad faith agreements
Avoiding informal agreements that aren’t enforceable and may hurt you long-term
Setting the tone for productive negotiations or strong courtroom advocacy from the start

How Is Spousal Support Calculated?

In Pennsylvania, there are three main types of spousal support:

Spousal Support: Paid after separation but before divorce is filed.
Alimony Pendente Lite (APL): Support paid during the divorce process.
Alimony: Support paid after the divorce is finalized.

For spousal support and APL, there is a formula-based calculation typically used, which considers:

The difference in net incomes between the parties
Whether there are child support obligations in place
Any applicable deductions or adjustments

Alimony is not based on a single formula. Instead, it depends on a range of discretionary factors set forth under 23 Pa. C.S. § 3701. These include:

The relative earnings and earning capacities of both parties
The ages and physical, mental, and emotional conditions of the parties
The duration of the marriage
The standard of living established during the marriage
The contributions of one party to the education, training, or increased earning power of the other
The assets and liabilities of each party
The ability of the payor to meet their own needs while paying support
Any history of marital misconduct
Tax implications of support

Because the court has broad discretion when awarding alimony, having an attorney who understands how to present your financial picture persuasively is key.

How an Attorney Can Help

Whether you’re seeking support or being asked to pay, we make sure you’re not taken advantage of and that the outcome aligns with what’s fair under the law. At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C. we provide comprehensive support that includes:

Case evaluation to determine your eligibility or liability for support under Pennsylvania law
Strategy development based on your goals, financial condition, and family dynamics
Collection and review of documentation such as income statements, tax returns, lifestyle expenses, and more
Negotiation with the other party or their attorney to achieve a fair and workable resolution
Filing and responding to court motions related to support
Representation at hearings to advocate for your best interests
Post-order modification or enforcement if your circumstances change after support is ordered

Concerned About Spousal Support? Let’s Talk.

Sheryl R. Rentz is ready to talk about your concerns and develop a strategy that protects your interests. Call us today at (610) 645-0100.

Temporary and Long-Term Support

Temporary support, such as spousal support or alimony pendente lite, is designed to help one spouse maintain stability while the divorce or separation is pending. It ensures that both parties can meet their basic needs as the legal process unfolds.

Long-term or post-divorce alimony may be awarded when there’s a significant income gap or when one spouse has relied heavily on the other financially during the marriage. Long-term support can be:

Rehabilitative: Given for a limited period to allow the receiving spouse to gain education or job skills
Permanent: Awarded when a spouse cannot become self-sufficient due to age, health, or other reasons
Reimbursement-based: To repay one spouse for contributions to the other’s career or education

Your lawyer’s job is to help the court understand which type of support is appropriate for your situation, and for how long.

Representing You in Court

Sometimes, negotiation isn’t possible, or the other side simply refuses to accept a reasonable offer. In these situations, our firm is fully prepared to take your case to court. We approach litigation with meticulous preparation and forceful advocacy, backed by decades of experience in Montgomery County family court.

We make sure the judge hears the full story, and your case is supported by clear documentation, a firm understanding of your rights under the law, and witness testimony if necessary.

Negotiating Your Settlement

Not every spousal support case will end up in a courtroom. In many cases, support issues can be resolved through negotiation or mediation, often as part of a larger divorce or separation agreement.

Having a skilled negotiator in your corner means:

Avoiding drawn-out litigation that can drive up costs and stress
Protecting your privacy by keeping sensitive information out of the courtroom
Finding creative solutions that may not be available through court-imposed orders
Securing enforceable agreements that hold up over time and avoid future disputes

We are committed to helping clients explore settlement options that meet their needs without sacrificing fairness or long-term security.

What Documents Should You Have for an Intake Interview?

Social security cards for you and your children
Photo ID, like a driver’s license
Proof of current address, like a utility bill
You and your spouse’s employers’ names and addresses
Documentation of all sources of income for you and your spouse, such as SSI, military benefits, unemployment, payroll statements, etc.
Healthcare information
Last few years of tax forms
A copy of your marriage license, and any separation or prenuptial agreement if available
Copies of any court orders, such as protection orders

If you have dependent children, it’s also good to have:

Proof of childcare costs
Birth certificates
Proof of custody and/or paternity if necessary

What Clients Are Saying About Us

I would definitely recommend Sheryl to anyone - Elyse (5-Star Avvo Review)

Effective and caring. After my first meeting with Sheryl, it was obvious I had made the right decision having her handle my divorce. Not only did Sheryl carefully explain my options but she competently guided me through the many issues which developed during the process. With Sheryl's advice, I was able to negotiate my settlement without going to court. I found Sheryl to be highly professional and readily available to answer my questions. Additionally, she provided me with compassionate and emotional support, which was extremely important to me. I would definitely recommend Sheryl to anyone seeking a divorce attorney.

I can't thank her enough - Marc D. (5-Star Yelp Review)

I used Ms. Rentz's services for my divorce, custody, and support. While she's not cheap, she definitely got the job done for me. I can't thank her enough.

Speak With an Experienced Montgomery County Spousal Support Lawyer

If you're facing spousal support concerns during or after divorce, the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C. is here to help you protect your financial future. Sheryl R. Rentz provides clear guidance and strong representation tailored to your unique situation.

Call (610) 645-0100 to learn more today.

Spousal Support FAQs

Can the spouses reach an agreement without going to court?

Yes. One option is mediation, which can help you solve disagreements over spousal support, child support, property, and more. Both spouses should hire their own attorney to represent them in the process. Mediation is often more cost-effective than going to court, but it will only work if both spouses commit to the process and come to an agreement.

Can a spouse go to jail for not paying spousal support?

No one can be put in jail just because they are in debt, but a person who owes support is ignoring a court order, so he or she can be “in contempt of court” and may go to jail for that reason. This enforcement tool is generally a last resort when all other efforts to collect spousal support have failed. If you are being charged of being in contempt of court, you have the right to a lawyer.

What is the difference between spousal support, alimony pendente lite, and alimony in Pennsylvania?

Spousal support is financial assistance paid after separation but before divorce is filed. Alimony pendente lite (APL) is support during divorce proceedings. Alimony is awarded after the divorce is finalized and can be temporary or long-term.

Am I entitled to spousal support in Montgomery County?

It depends on factors like your income, the length of your marriage, and financial dependency. A consultation with an attorney can help determine your eligibility based on your unique situation.

How is spousal support calculated in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania uses a formula based on the net incomes of both spouses. The exact amount may vary depending on whether child support is involved and other case-specific factors.

How long does spousal support last?

Support can be temporary (during separation or divorce proceedings) or long-term (alimony after divorce). The duration depends on your circumstances, including the length of the marriage and financial need.

Can I modify a spousal support order?

Yes. If there is a significant change in circumstances, such as job loss, remarriage, or health issues, you can request a modification through the court.

Is marital misconduct considered when awarding support?

Marital misconduct may impact alimony awards in limited situations but typically does not affect spousal support or APL calculations.

What if my spouse refuses to pay spousal support?

If your spouse fails to comply with a court order, an attorney can help you file an enforcement action to compel payment through legal channels.

Do I need a lawyer to negotiate a support agreement?

A lawyer ensures the terms are fair, legally sound, and enforceable. Legal guidance also helps you avoid costly mistakes that could affect your long-term finances.

Can I receive support before my divorce is finalized?

Yes. You may be eligible for spousal support or APL during the separation and divorce process to help maintain financial stability.

Meet Our Attorney

Sheryl R. Rentz

Sheryl R. Rentz is a skilled family law attorney with over 30 years of experience representing individuals and families across Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. She founded the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C. in 1992 with a focus on providing personalized, results-driven legal counsel in matters of divorce, child custody, and spousal support. When you choose Sheryl R. Rentz, you gain a dedicated legal ally committed to protecting your future with experience, integrity, and care.

Prior to her legal career, Sheryl earned a degree in engineering and worked at AT&T Bell Laboratories, where she developed the analytical skills that now inform her legal strategy. Her transition to family law was driven by a desire to help people navigate some of life’s most difficult transitions with clarity and confidence.

Additional Information

We know your problems are unique & special.
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(610) 645-0100

Meet Attorney
Sheryl Rentz

Meet Sheryl Rentz