In 1979, the Supreme Court ruled that alimony is gender-neutral. In our modern times, this topic is still wrapped in controversy since many women can't encompass the idea of providing their male partners with spousal support. Things get even trickier in high net worth divorces where numerous wealthy self-made women and primary breadwinners do not realize they will have to pay alimony to their former husbands.
Spousal support received by men seems to be still frowned upon because of preconceived notions about gender roles. Most males are expected to be capable of maintaining their lifestyle on their own and are still seen as the primary providers for their families. Being also a matter of pride, far fewer men than women choose to seek spousal support.
However, unequal earnings are very common in relationships, and many men choose to be stay-at-home dads, especially when their wives outrank their current earning capacity.
Alimony in a High Net Worth Divorce is About Financial Need
Although it is not an easy pill to swallow for most financially-secure women, men that find themselves in the situation of requesting alimony are eligible for the same rights as women in similar circumstances. This being said, men seeking spousal support should not be seen as undignified or feel unentitled to receive financial support that is rightfully theirs.
As things progressed, women became the leading earners in many households, increasing the number of men being awarded spousal support as a consequence of divorce. However, many financially disadvantaged men still avoid seeking alimony because of conventional assumptions.
Married men that don't generate an income or obtain a modest remuneration in their line of work can contribute in valuable and necessary ways to the household, while their wives are the high-income earners. For example, a lot of men decide to take on the role of caring for their children on a daily basis and invest time in maintaining the household.
Spousal support can be defined or waived in a prenuptial agreement. In the absence of such provisions, the court will consider several aspects when awarding alimony, such as:
- the marriage length
- the financial situation of both spouses
- the contribution each spouse had to the union
- the standard of living established during the marriage
- the physical condition and age of each spouse
Divorcing men can be awarded alimony if it is genuinely needed (the current financial situation requires it) and the other party has the ability to meet the costs. Support may be available on a temporary or permanent basis in one of the following formats:
- as a one-time payment
- as monthly spousal support
Typically, the stay-at-home parent that raises the children is awarded alimony because they would not have the possibility to earn the same amount of money as their spouse. Also, if their career suffers during or because of the marriage, there is a possibility of obtaining alimony. Even if the divorcing husband plans to find employment after the marriage dissolution, this might take a while to become a reality.
The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary Can Step in When You Require Assistance
Either side of the high net worth divorce you might find yourself on, you can be confident that The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary can step in and provide you with the services you require. Here you can find the answers to any spousal support questions you may have, such as the amount due or owed, how long the support may last, and how it will affect taxes.
Contact us today to obtain more information on our services and schedule your free initial consultation. Our prominent high net worth divorce lawyer can assist you in deciding the best course of action for your particular situation. We can help you advance confidently with your marriage dissolution by having your interests protected, knowing your rights, and having clarity on the necessary steps moving forward.