How exactly does alimony and child support work, and why does it seem like it’s always men who pay it to women, and never the other way around?
In: 0
Generally speaking when two people are married, all the money and property they come into while they are married is considered to be split 50/50, regardless of who makes what. The idea then is that each person gets accustomed to the lifestyle and so in a divorce can argue that they should be able to keep said lifestyle. Often the man earns more because of the wage gap in our country, but if the woman earns more then she would end up paying. This all has to be litigated and isn’t a guarantee, sometimes couples agree to not do this. Also pre-nuptial agreements can make sure that this doesn’t happen if both parties wish it.
Child support is similar, but you also have to factor in who is actually the primary caregiver of a child, since caring for a child everyday costs a lot of money. So even if dad earns less, if he is not really present in taking care of the child, he could still have to pay to help mom keep up with all the child’s needs. Courts most commonly rule to keep children with their mother whenever possible, so you get more fathers paying child support (which often means they don’t have as much time taking care of the children). But it all varies and there are certainly unfit mother scenarios or instances where the mom just wants to move on and is paying child support too.
In both situations the couple can usually agree of whatever they want, and even keep the courts out of it if they can remain amicable. Things like evidence of cheating or abandoning the family can often factor in as well (usually not in favor of the offending party).
Latest Answers