Here in Beverly Hills and the surrounding Los Angeles area, there are more instances of men seeking alimony in divorce than in other parts of the state and throughout the country as a whole. Many men are far outearned by their wife or husband because of the outsized income earned by those who find success in entertainment, sports, tech and other lucrative careers.
If a divorcing man isn’t able to support himself in anything close to the marital standard of living he enjoyed and his soon-to-be ex-spouse is able to help him do that without compromising their own lifestyle, that may be a valid case to make. That doesn’t mean, however, that there’s not still some stigma attached to a man receiving alimony. Unfortunately, some judges have their own negative feelings about it.
An official with the Association of Matrimonial Lawyers notes that judges still generally award less alimony to men than to women, and for a shorter period. They also are more likely to require that men seeking and receiving spousal support provide more evidence that they’re earning as much as they reasonably can than they require of women.
Knowing the factors judges consider helps
Men seeking spousal support should know the factors that judges consider for anyone, regardless of gender, when determining the amount and duration. These include the length of the marriage, the individual assets, income and earning potential of both spouses and their ages and health. They can also consider the contributions that the lesser- or non-earning spouse made to the other’s career or success.
It’s crucial for men seeking alimony in divorce to know and advocate for their rights. They may need to make a stronger case for it than they would if they were a woman. That’s where having experienced legal guidance can make all the difference.