The last several decades have seen many changes here in the United States. This includes significant changes in how common it is for women to be the breadwinner in families. Take moms for instance. In 1960, moms were the breadwinner in only 11 percent of households with minor children. In 2013, this number was all the way up to 40 percent.
The major increase in women being the primary earner in families has had many implications. For one, it has led to changes in how common certain issues are for women in divorce cases. One area for which this is the case is spousal support, also known as alimony.
Survey: More women paying spousal support in divorces
For one, it is becoming increasingly common for women to face the issue of whether they will have to pay alimony rather than the issue of whether they will be able to receive alimony. A recent American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers survey indicates there has been an increase in women having spousal support obligations.
The organization polled 1,650 lawyers. Of these attorneys, 45 percent said that, over the past three years, they had seen an increase in women paying alimony.
The importance of not getting caught off guard by alimony issues
In this time of changes in how common it is for women to be given spousal support obligations, some women are being caught off guard by the potential of ending up having to pay alimony following a divorce. Getting surprised by this issue can be problematic for female breadwinners. It could lead to them not making proper preparations for facing alimony issues in their divorce. This, in turn, could put them at a disadvantage when it comes to standing up for their rights regarding this issue.
So, if you are among the women who are breadwinners and are getting a divorce, seeking out guidance on whether you could end up paying alimony and what you can do to prepare for alimony issues can be wise.