"Allowance pendente lite" is a legal term that refers to temporary financial support that is provided during the period between the filing of a divorce or separation and the final judgment. The spelling of the phrase can be broken down phonetically as /əˈlaʊəns pɛnˌdɛntɛ ˈlaɪti/. The stress is on the second syllable of both "allowance" and "pendente," while the stress is on the final syllable of "lite." The word "pendente" is derived from the Latin word "pendere," which means "to hang," and "lite" is derived from the Latin phrase "litis pendentis," meaning "while the lawsuit is pending."
Allowance pendente lite is a legal term used in the context of a court proceeding, particularly in family law cases. Derived from Latin, "pendente lite" translates to "during litigation" or "pending the lawsuit." An allowance pendente lite refers to a temporary financial provision or support that is granted by a court to a party involved in litigation before a final decision is made on the matter.
In family law, an allowance pendente lite may be awarded to one spouse by the court during divorce proceedings, separation, or annulment cases. The purpose of this provision is to ensure that both parties maintain their standard of living and meet their basic needs throughout the duration of the litigation.
The amount of the allowance pendente lite is typically determined by the court based on the financial needs of the party requesting it, the ability of the other party to pay, and any relevant factors such as income, assets, and financial obligations. It is intended to cover essential expenses such as housing, utilities, child support, and legal fees.
However, it is important to note that an allowance pendente lite is temporary in nature and may be modified or terminated once a final decision is reached in the case, such as through a divorce settlement or court judgment. The purpose is to provide financial stability to the parties during the litigation process, ensuring fairness and balance until a final resolution is achieved.