When we think about alimony, most people think about a man paying support to his ex-wife. Since alimony has existed, the majority of recipients have been women. In the past this was so often the case because men tended out-earned their wives. Today, however, more than 35 percent of mothers who are married make more than their husbands, opening the door for men to request alimony.
While some people may find this idea strange, a person cannot be denied alimony based solely on his or her gender. And if a person will experience substantial financial hardship as a result of divorce, that person has the right to request alimony, regardless of gender. Men, however, may face greater challenges in being awarded alimony.
Because women have historically been the recipients of alimony, some judges are still stuck in that mindset. Despite the fact that gender should not play a role in determining whether a person should get alimony, an individual will have to prove that he actually needs spousal support and isn’t just seeking it out of spite over the divorce.
If you are seeking alimony because your spouse earned more than you did, it is important to work closely with an attorney who can help guide you through the process. You’ll need to present ample information about your current lifestyle along with how your financial situation will look after the divorce is complete. With the right advice and guidance, it may be possible to obtain alimony — even if you are man.
Source: Huffington Post, “Why Don’t More Men Ask For Alimony?” Joseph E. Cordell, June 26, 2013
