1/3 of Women Make More Than Their Spouses

Although there is still a serious wage gap between men and women, a 2002 study shows that nearly 1/3 of working women earn more than their spouses.

In 2002, 24 percent of wives in dual-income homes earned more than their husbands. When you add this to women married to unemployed men, you get nearly 1/3 of women who are the breadwinners in their families. While these numbers are high, 97% of women who out-earn their husbands still make under $75,000 per year.

In many cases, the researchers found, the women had no intentions of out-earning their husbands. Many fell into that situation, such as when their husband lost his job or took a paycut. In these cases, women were forced to get a job as well to support the family, in addition to taking on the task of child rearing and household duties. When the husbands were able to support the family again, women found the transition back to homemaker to be uneventful at best.

A husband, wife, and or a single mother and fathers' employment and earnings are very important considerations when addressing spousal support (alimony), child support and court fees.

If you've been asked to pay alimony and would like to know more about your rights and options, contact our legal team to get advice from a Los Angeles family lawyer.