The state of Pennsylvania uses several factors to determine how much alimony you may be paid. You will notice that almost all these factors will change the longer you have been married. If you got married last year, you do not have as much invested in the marriage as someone who has been married for 10 or 20 years. These factors include:nn Agen Physical or emotional state of the partiesn Expected future earningsn The ability of the primary custodial parent to support the childrenn Contribution to education and career opportunitiesn Marital misconductn The relative needs of both spousesnnSomeone who has been married for a long time may not be in the best physical or emotional condition when the marriage ends. Your earning potential may have dropped considerably, and you may have contributed quite a lot to your spouse’s career or educational pursuits. Additionally, you cannot support your children if you have little earning potential, no credit, and if you were abused during the marriage. Other needs may be considered, but longer marriages often necessitate more alimony.