The changing landscape single families has been known for years, but a recent study conducted by the Pew Research Institute puts the value of women’s income in perspective. Researchers found that women were the top breadwinners (or the solo income earner) in 40 percent of American households.
The findings were significant in two respects: first, it exemplifies the strides that women have made in the workplace over the past 30 years. Few women had reached the highest levels of corporate America, and many had careers that paled in comparison to their male counterparts. Second, it proves that more women are paying spousal support when they divorce men who make considerably less.
Researchers found that older, white, college educated women were more likely to be top breadwinners (and out earn their husbands) while single, black or Hispanic women without college degrees were less likely to do so, even though this group of women headed a significant number of single parent homes.
The study also exemplifies the need for child support, especially for single parents. The study found that the median income for homes headed by single women was merely $23,000 per year, compared to the national median of $57,000 for families with children.
Child support in Ohio is based on a number of factors, including each parent’s gross income, the number of joint children (and non joint children), which parent has medical insurance to cover the children, and whether there are child care costs. Support can be agreed upon by the parties, or it can be ordered based on statutory guidelines.
For more information on child support, an experienced family law attorney can help.
Source: LA Times.com, Moms are top or solo breadwinners in 40 percent of American households, May 29, 2013