Such petition shall be served on the husband and the court, on being satisfied of the truth of the statements therein contained, may make such order on the husband for payment to the wife of alimony pending the suit as it may deem just.

Provided that alimony pending the suit shall in no case exceed one-fifth of the husband’ average net income for the three years next preceding the date of the order and shall continue in case of decree for dissolution of marriage or of nullity of marriage, until the decree is made absolute or is confirmed as the case may be.
In every such case the court may make an order on the husband for payment to the wife of such monthly or weekly sums for her maintenance and support as the court may think reasonable.