It is common for money to be a sticking point in divorce cases. For many New Jersey residents going through this process, concerns about alimony and child support exist. Though these types of support are often in marriage dissolution cases, it is often a given that the ex-wife will receive the funds. However, is that always the case?
As a soon-to-be ex-husband, you may wonder whether you could obtain spousal support after your divorce. You may already have financial concerns, and you do not believe that your spouse needs support from you. However, you feel that support from her could help your current situation, especially when you will live on a single income.
Do women pay alimony?
Fortunately, the manner in which the court awards alimony depends on the circumstances of a particular case. As a result, if your wife has a higher-paying job than you, it is possible that the court will order her to pay spousal support. In fact, this type of arrangement is becoming more common, according to recent reports.
Though an uptick in women paying spousal support has occurred in recent years, spousal support has been gender-neutral under law since 1979 after a Supreme Court ruling. This means that the opportunity for men to receive spousal support has existed for decades, but many women did not have higher-paying jobs during those early years.
Female breadwinners
These days, more and more women hold employment positions with high salaries, and in many cases, those salaries are higher than their husbands’. Now, approximately four out of 10 U.S. families have a woman bringing in the primary income for the household. Though the way women work and the way courts handle alimony have both changed over the years, alimony for men can still be a tricky route to navigate during a divorce.
While you may believe that you are entitled to spousal support, your soon-to-be ex-wife may balk at the idea of having to pay it. It may be in your interests to prepare to fight for the support you deserve. Luckily, you can work with an experienced attorney who can assess the circumstances of your case and determine the best way to approach your case for alimony. It may not be easy, but with an advocate on your side, you may feel more confident.