What is the Divorce Gap?

Contrary to popular belief, women who worked before, during or after their divorce see a 20% decline in income when their marriages end. Research performed by Professor Stephen Jenkins, a professor at the London School of Economics, found that men generally see a 30% increase in their income after divorce. In addition to his findings regarding men’s income, Jenkins also discovered the poverty rate for separated women is triple that of separated men.

Why is this happening?

This main reason women suffer more than men after a divorce is that women traditionally leave their careers to raise children. Leaving their careers makes them dependent upon the income their husbands provide for the family and any other savings they may have. When couples decide to divorce, hiring a lawyer can be expensive. Divorce Magazine estimates the cost of divorce can range anywhere from $8,500 to $100,000 depending on the situation. If the split is amicable, divorce can cost anywhere from $250 to $3,000. Women who have become dependent upon the income of their spouse are unable to afford to hire their own lawyer and are often coerced into making unsustainable financial decisions.

Importance of Livable Spousal Support

These women are often left managing the children while the divorce is finalized meaning they must pay rent, bills and provide food for the family which can add up quickly. One woman’s spouse was ordered to pay her $1,000 a month while their divorce paperwork was finalized but she explains that amount just isn’t enough to live on. “I can’t afford groceries and basic utility bills anymore. I’m really scared,” she says. Divorce lawyers understand that spouses in this situation can make their case to a judge based on their contribution to the household. A stay-at-home parent could say, “I had these work skills but I took care of the family instead of going back to work.” This could increase the chances of a judge awarding a livable amount of spousal support, but many women do not know this.

Mediation over Litigation

Another option divorcing couples have is mediation over litigation. Mediation can be a significantly cheaper alternative to litigation divorce. In mediation, both parties sit down with a professional mediator and try to come to an agreement regarding property, child custody, spousal support and child support. This option only really works if both parties can come to an easy agreement regarding the aforementioned topics. One woman explained her disappointment with the mediation process stating that it only “delayed the inevitable litigation.”

Struggling With Your Divorce?

Are you woman struggling financially with your divorce? Our compassionate Pasadena divorce attorney can help you get the legal representation you need to get your life back on track. We offer timely, affordable legal solutions for families through their divorce. Contact our offices to schedule your free consultation.