This is one of the best times in history to be a woman in the United States. A mere century ago, women lacked the right to vote and were generally treated as property by their husbands. Now, women have the same legal rights as men and can be just as successful. Unfortunately, like many other women in Pennsylvania and elsewhere, you might still find yourself at a financial disadvantage after a divorce.
According to Forbes, alimony was created to help support lesser-earning spouses after a divorce and allow them to maintain the same standard of living as they did during marriage. While men can also be eligible for spousal support, there remains an outdated trend for women to earn less than their husbands during their marriages. If you were like many women, you might have chosen to stay home while your children were growing up. You might have had a job during the early years to help support the family while your husband built his career, and then quit your job later to take care of the household, or you might have worked part-time to balance the duties of earning an income and caring for your family.
There is nothing wrong with any of the above situations, but making ends meet could be difficult after your divorce. For example, you could find that your job skills are outdated. You might not have had the chance to get a degree while you were newly married and raising children. Some employers might be hesitant to hire you if you spent the past several years unemployed or working part-time.
Spousal support may help you get back on your feet, update your job skills and improve your earning potential after your divorce. Since everyone’s situation is different, the information in this blog should not replace the advice of a lawyer.