Is Alimony Outdated?

For many spouses, alimony might seem like an antiquated concept. After all, it has its roots in a time when women were not expected to work. Should we do away with the practice altogether? That is a question for lawmakers to answer. However, it must be said that spouses raise understandable concerns – especially when alimony lasts for a considerable period of time and places a significant financial burden on those who are already heavily impacted by divorce.

If you want to limit the financial impact of your divorce, you should get in touch with a qualified, experienced family law attorney as soon as possible. With help from one of these legal professionals, you can strive for the best possible outcome in a confident, efficient manner. You might think that alimony is antiquated, but it’s something you still have to take very seriously. Fortunately, an attorney can help you lower your alimony obligations and walk away from your marriage with fewer financial burdens.

Why Alimony Was Created 

Alimony was created many decades ago, when women were not expected to join the workforce. The logic was simple: If a woman wasn’t able to work, she had no way to financially support herself. And if she went through a divorce, she would lose the financial support offered by her former husband. This was her only means of financial support. To avoid women becoming destitute and homeless, lawmakers devised a scheme that would force husbands to continue providing for their former spouses even after the marriage was over.

Times Have Changed 

Obviously, times have changed. Women are now an active part of the workforce, and most couples in the United States now both hold jobs. Perhaps most crucially, there is nothing stopping a woman from joining the workforce after the end of their marriage. It is no longer seen as a societal taboo, and there is no real barrier that prevents them from earning an income. Because of this, many claim that alimony is now an antiquated concept.

It May Still be Necessary Under Certain Circumstances 

That being said, alimony can still be justified under certain circumstances. A prime example is a “stay-at-home mom” who has essentially put her career on hold in order to raise the children. In this situation, the mother sacrificed her career in order to provide for the family in another, non-economical way. In this situation, however, alimony should (and often is) only cover the amount of time needed for the stay-at-home parent to gain new job skills and experience.

Contact an Attorney for Help 

Dedicated Orlando divorce lawyer Steve Marsee is prepared to help you throughout your case. Over the years, we have helped numerous spouses handle their divorces efficiently, and we can help you strive for the best possible outcome. If you’re facing a significant alimony obligation, we can help you fight for your rights and lower your financial burden, giving you more freedom in your post-marriage life. Book your consultation today to learn more about your options.

Resource:

abajournal.com/voice/article/are_alimony_rules_antiquated_in_an_era_of_greater_equality