When couples decide to pursue a divorce in Illinois, they are immediately faced with a barrage of important decisions to make. Choices that will ultimately have far-reaching effects on their future including decisions related to financial support, child custody and separation of shared assets. Over the years, costly financial obligations like child support and alimony have been paid almost exclusively by men during a divorce. However, this may soon change as gender equality is prioritized.
Once a couple begins the process of divorce, each person should be fully prepared to contribute some financial obligation. During the last several years, the number of women who have taken up working full-time has increased exponentially. As a result, a survey showed that 54 percent of attorneys noted an increase in the number of female clients who were required to be paying child support. Additionally, there was a 45% increase in the number of female clients who were paying alimony.
Despite the obvious differences in the increase of gender equality in the court system, many women still struggle to accept their role in contributing financially in a divorce. As soon as a couple decides to divorce, women, regardless of how large or small their financial contribution is, would benefit from organizing their financial documents and preparing to receive some kind of financial obligation.
If people are looking at getting a divorce, they may benefit from the help of an attorney. This decision can provide substantial support during the process of gathering and organizing information that will be used in negotiating an outcome that benefits all parties.
Source: Market Watch, “Big Increase Of Women Paying Alimony And Child Support,” May 14, 2018
