It used to be that alimony was almost exclusively paid to women after divorce. Their husbands were forced to pay for a variety of reasons, one of which is that women did not have the same ability to support themselves financially. They depended on the marriage for that support. Therefore, it seemed unfair to cut them off suddenly, making the divorce have a far more drastic negative impact on ex-wives than it did on ex-husbands.
For instance, one study found that men saw their standard of living go up by 42 percent in the 12 months after they finalized a divorce. In that same 12 months, women saw their standard of living fall by 73 percent. Clearly, both genders were not on equal financial footing.
This has been changing in recent years, though, and some predict a significant shift in which women will pay alimony to their ex-husbands far more often than they have in the past. The reason is simple: Women earn more than men far more often than they did before.
For instance, it has been reported that 40 percent of families with kids have women who are the primary breadwinners. Women have more opportunities in the workforce, and they’re making them count. Many are out-earning their husbands. This financial balance is not completely even yet, at a 40/60 split, but it could still begin to impact divorce cases.
If you and your spouse decide to split up, make sure you know the current state of divorce in Florida. Do not buy into myths or outdated assumptions, and be sure that you look into your legal rights and obligations.
Source: Brides, “What Is “Manimony” and How Does It Affect Women?,” Léa Rose Emery, accessed June 03, 2018