It is reported in the press today that the actress, Mena Suvari is divorcing her husband of less than two years and he is seeking monthly spousal maintenance payments of $17,000. Mena is reported to earn in the region of $750,000 each year.
Divorce law is not sexist. If the wife earns significantly more than the husband, the husband may be entitled to spousal maintenance from her as part of his divorce settlement. Given the significant increase in the number of "bread winning" wives, those that have high power jobs which pay significantly more than their husband's jobs, this scenario is becoming increasingly common. Women have been fighting for equality for years, but many are not happy when this equality makes them the paying party when they divorce.
These "bread winning" wives need to consider taking the advice of a family law solicitor before they marry and entering into a pre-nuptial agreement, if they want to try to protect their wealth if their marriage fails.
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