On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Support on Tuesday, May 29, 2018.
Historically, upon dissolution of a marriage, the husband was far more likely to be required to pay child support or alimony. However, times are changing across Missouri and the rest of the United States. Due to shifting roles within a family, courts are beginning to order support paid by the wife to the husband.
According to a recent study, 45 percent of all family law attorneys noticed an increase in women being ordered to pay alimony over the past three years. The study, authored by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, showed that 54 percent of the attorneys surveyed also noticed an increase in mothers paying child support.
The changing roles that have brought about these decisions are many. For one, the wage gap between men’s and women’s pay has tightened. In addition, many women are now in the workforce as opposed to staying in the home. More families than ever have seen men filling the role of homemaker and primary caretaker of their children.
In today’s market, women are the primary breadwinners in approximately 40 percent of all households. This is a sharp rise from even just a few years ago. While only 3 percent of all 400,00 alimony recipients are men, that number has also risen substantially in recent years.
Whether male or female, the added expense of alimony can be a burden for any divorced parent. An experienced family law attorney may be able to provide individuals with guidance on how to reach a support amount that is fair while still covering all responsibilities. In the event of job loss or other circumstances, an attorney may be able to help a spouse paying support or alimony to receive a modification.
