The standards for alimony or spousal support are continuously in flux. The income equation for couples and families has shifted drastically over the last forty to fifty years and the state existence of alimony has changed with it. Traditional one-income male-dominated households seem like an item for the history books rather than a model for modern life.
In today’s world, multiple income households and couples who are supporting a household and financially depend on each other in
splitting costs and paying bills. As a result, traditional gender roles don’t appear to apply in a manner in which they once did. The man doesn’t have to be the one who ventures to the office or work site, while the wife maintains the home front. In fact, the traditional norms appear to have mutated resulting in a dual partnership where both individuals are wage earners.
Depending on the individual circumstance (as are all cases of a personal nature), the woman could easily have a career which equates to a more substantial salary and therefore totes the majority of the collective income. These shifts coincide with a reimagining of expectations in regard to spousal support and gender roles.
Many believe that alimony is due for a major makeover to reflect these changes in society. With most individuals working should spousal support become a thing of the past? Something which applied and served a purpose at a different period along the timeline , but doesn’t make sense now. Should the concept of lifelong support go out the window and should short-term “get on one’s feet” scenarios apply? Should alimony only be subject to retired and disabled individuals?
The times have changed, and the legislation is changing with it. Now more than ever, its important to understand the framework of marriage & divorce and what the potential consequences of both can be.
