Alimony is often awarded in divorce proceedings. These payments are typically awarded to ensure lesser-earning spouses can cover their expenses and maintain their lifestyle after their marriage is over. Many people believe that men are the ones who are usually ordered to make these payments, but a new report reveals the number of women paying alimony is on the rise.
The Increase in the Number of Women Paying Alimony
The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) recently conducted a survey of 1,650 family law attorneys in the U.S. The results showed that more than half of the attorneys surveyed have seen an increase in the number of women paying child support over the last three years, and nearly half have seen an increase in the number of women ordered to pay alimony. One attorney even estimated that in the past, the woman would be ordered to pay alimony in about one in every 100 cases. But now, he estimates that this number has grown to two in every 10 cases.
What’s Behind the Change?
In the past, married women were expected to stay at home to take care of their children. But, this expectation has changed over the past several decades. According to the Department of Labor (DOL), about 47% of workers in the U.S. workforce are female. These women aren’t just working to earn extra money on the side–many of them are responsible for supporting their households. The DOL estimates that women with children are the sole or primary earners in 40% of households, compared to only 11% of households in 1960. This is a significant increase that shows how society has changed over the last 58 years.
After reviewing this data, it’s not hard to see why there is an increase in the number of women paying alimony. Today’s women are taking an active role in the workforce, and many of them are out-earning their spouse. If a woman is the primary or sole breadwinner in the relationship, she is not entitled to alimony in the event of a divorce. Instead, she could be legally obligated to pay alimony to her former spouse.
If you are filing for divorce, seek legal representation from Williams Law Group, LLC at once. At every stage of the divorce proceedings, our skilled attorneys will work tirelessly to reach the best possible outcome. Call our office at (908) 810-1083, email us at info@awilliamslawgroup.com, or contact us through our confidential online form to schedule a consultation.
