When a couple divorces, people often assume the man will be the one paying child support or alimony. However, as more women have climbed the corporate ladder, the financial arrangement is often reversed. A recent survey found increasing numbers of women are now making support payments to their husbands.
According to a survey by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), 56 percent of family law attorneys have seen a rise in the number of mothers making child support payments over the last three years. Almost half of the attorneys surveyed also saw an increase in the number of women making spousal support payments to their ex-husbands.
“As more women achieve success in their career paths, they are also finding themselves increasingly responsible for financial obligations during and after the divorce process,” explained the president of the AAML.
In Minnesota, child support is based on a statutory formula that considers factors such the number of children, the parents’ incomes and other variables. An experienced family law attorney can provide insight into the need for potential deviations from the statute, and investigate disputes regarding a spouse’s income or earning capacity.
Spousal maintenance, or alimony, is awarded at the court’s discretion based on several criteria. These include the length of the marriage, income disparity between the parties and the employable skills of each spouse. Whether the higher earner it the husband or the wife, a knowledgeable attorney can provide advice about possible financial arrangements, and advocate on behalf of the interests of his or her clients.
Source: AAML, More women paying child support and alimony, May 9, 2012.
