More And More Women Are Breadwinners: How This Affects Divorce
Many married couples think about divorce but are scared of the ramifications, especially if they are the breadwinner of the family. In the past, men paid alimony and child support, but in recent years, the tables have turned.
In 2017, more than 40% of women were the primary breadwinners for their families. They had earned at least 50% of the total incomes in their household.
In a divorce, your high earnings can be used against you. You may be ordered to pay money to your ex, regardless of gender. Women have fought many years for equal rights, and they will get them in a divorce, whether or not they want to.
If you are the high earner in your marriage and you are ready to call it quits, here are some things you should consider.
You Need to be Honest
When you find the right attorney, be honest with them about everything. Share all the details of your marriage and express any fears you have. The more information your attorney has, the better they can defend you.
Timing is Key
It may be beneficial for you to wait to divorce until your spouse has an income of their own. This can make it so you don’t have to pay as much alimony. Otherwise, you may be on the hook for supporting your husband’s lifestyle until he gets a job.
Be Prepared to Pay Alimony
Speaking of alimony, you may have to pay it if you are the high earner. This is not something delegated solely to a man. If you earn more than your husband, be prepared to pay him alimony for a period of time.
You May Be on the Hook for Child Support
In a divorce, the best interests of the child prevail. If you are the breadwinner, you may have to pay child support to the other parent so they can help the children keep up with the lifestyle they maintained during the marriage. Even if you have 50/50 custody of the children, you may have to pony up child support as well, so be prepared.
You May Have to Pay for His Lawyer Too
Being a breadwinner is not as fun as it sounds. It often means paying more expenses, and that’s true during the divorce process. If you are the one who wants a divorce, keep in mind that you may be ordered to pay for not only your own legal expenses but your spouse’s as well.
Seek Help for Your Divorce Case
Divorces can be complicated, especially when one party makes more money than the other. Female breadwinners need to be aware of the implications.
Have questions or concerns about the process? Get the help you need from the Dade City & Zephyrhills divorce attorneys from Madonna Law can help you dissolve your marriage with ease. We can help you avoid common mistakes. Contact our office now and we can start working on your case today. To schedule a consultation, call (800) 557-0411 or fill out the online form.
Sources:
americanprogress.org/article/breadwinning-mothers-continue-u-s-norm/#:~:text=Black%20mothers%20are%20by%20far,more%20likely%20than%20Hispanic%20mothers
