Pennsylvania House Bill 521 Establishes New Criteria for Alimony Pendente Lite and Exclusive Home Use During Divorce

Original title: An Act amending Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in alimony and support, further providing for alimony pendente lite, counsel fees and expenses.

Last action · May 12, 2026: Referred to JUDICIARY, Feb. 5, 2025Sponsors: Sheryl Delozier and 3 others

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What This Bill Would Do

Pennsylvania House Bill 521 revises divorce support rules to allow courts to grant , counsel fees, and exclusive use of the family home based on a petitioning spouse's basic needs rather than solely on presumptive guidelines or marital standard of living. The measure takes effect in 60 days.

Why it matters

Spouses undergoing divorce proceedings in Pennsylvania will have support and temporary housing decisions determined by an evaluation of insufficient income and resources for basic needs, explicitly barring reliance exclusively on presumptive support guidelines or marital standard of living.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Spouses involved in divorce actions in Pennsylvania

Spouses seeking or responding to requests for temporary support, counsel fees, or housing during divorce proceedings will have their claims evaluated under new statutory criteria based on basic needs.

Key Facts

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does House Bill 521 change about temporary divorce support?

It permits courts to award , spousal support, counsel fees, exclusive use of the family home, and health insurance maintenance based on whether a petitioning spouse's income and resources are insufficient for basic needs.

Can courts base temporary support solely on marital standard of living under this bill?

No. The bill explicitly states that determinations shall not be based solely upon a rule of court providing presumptive guidelines for support or upon the party's standard of living during the marriage.

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

1 action

May 12, 2026HouseCommittee
Referred to JUDICIARY, Feb. 5, 2025

Version history

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