Higher-Earning Wives May Be More Likely To Divorce

When a Kansas wife earns more money than her husband, divorce could be more likely. This is true even though women make half the income or more in nearly 33% of relationships. According to a 2017 report by the Pew Research Center, a perception remains that men should be the breadwinners.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that more than one-third of wives are higher earners than their husbands. Some husbands are stay-at-fathers, but in other cases, they may only be working part-time and spending more than the couple can save. On average, however, married men are the top earners in the workplace; they make more than single men, single women or married women.

Attitudes toward money within relationships can be complex. While men who make a lot of money may be seen as good providers, one study found that men who are extravagant with their wealth are not seen as serious prospects for long-term relationships. Participants in the study looked at two fictional men who both spent $20,000 on a car. While one was reported as frugal, the other’s purchase was described as more ostentatious. The latter was considered more interested in short-term relationships. On the other hand, some men who are bringing significant assets into a marriage may worry about losing those assets in a divorce.

Someone who is considering divorce might want to speak to an attorney about their financial situation and how it could be affected by the divorce. A higher-earning spouse may be required to pay alimony to a lower-earning spouse; although, this is usually not a permanent arrangement. The property division process could also have a major effect on post-marriage assets.