When it comes to family matters, many people have preconceived notions about how a spouse’s gender will affect the outcome. While traditionally, certain aspects of child support or spousal support may have favored a female, cases in Illinois are increasingly demonstrating that there is a new normal in family law rulings. As gender roles evolve, it creates new trends.
It used to be that women were heavily favored when it came to decisions regarding child custody. Likewise, fathers were more likely to have to pay spousal and child support. However, as more and more women are the primary breadwinners in U.S. households, those former standards have begun to change. Pew Research Center released a report in 2013 noting that in 40 percent of all the nation’s homes, women are the main or sole provider. Additionally, 25 percent of homes are single-mother households.
Each state has its own method of determining which spouse will pay how much following a divorce, but typically a judge will take into account one individual’s needs and the other individual’s financial capabilities. Women who make more than their male counterparts may very well be paying spousal support and child support when faced with divorce.
Anytime a family is facing major decisions such as child custody, it is in the parents’ best interest to contact an attorney. A lawyer can help individuals navigate the legal system while still do what is best for the children. Attorneys are also adept and developing plans for financial support that are fair for both the payer and the recipient.
Source: Communities Digital News, “More women paying child support, spousal support,” Myra Fleischer, May 27, 2014