In the past few decades, there have been great changes in Pennsylvania’s workforce. More wives are now working and out-earning their spouses than ever before. As a result of this, more divorced women paying alimony to their former husbands.
Attorneys nationwide have commented on the new situation. At least half of the family law attorneys in a recent survey have witnessed an increase in the number of women required to pay alimony. Many of these women are shocked to learn they may be obligated to an ex-husband for payments after the divorce.
In addition, more mothers are being required to pay child support. Since an increasing number of men are becoming the primary custodians of their children, there are more shared child custody situations. In these cases, the mother may have to pay a child support obligation, especially if she was the primary earner in the family.
This increase is not so much a change in the law as it is a change in economic circumstances. Alimony and child support laws are not written to favor a female or the male. The court will look at the incomes of the spouses and other factors without regard for gender.
For those women who may be facing an alimony or child support obligation, competent legal representation is vital. In addition to income, other factors are considered when determining if alimony should be paid. Factors such as length of the marriage and the earning capacities of the parties are considered by the court. In these situations, the client can consult with an attorney to develop a strategy for yielding a fair outcome.