Among the stereotypes harbored by some Americans is the notion that spousal support in divorces is the sole domain of undeserving ex-wives seeking a lifelong payday while refusing to work. In reality, spousal support in the Garden State is a two-way street, upon which both men and women are eligible to receive reasonable alimony for a reasonable time, based on statutorily defined criteria. While the numbers are far from even, men are increasingly the recipient of spousal support, which can come as a shock to the women who are ordered or agree to make such payments.

Multi-million dollar manimony

In the celebrity world, men receiving alimony, or “manimony” as it is sometimes referred to, is hardly a new phenomenon. Madonna has reportedly shelled out over $70 million in payments, with other pop culture figures like Jennifer Lopez and Britney Spears among the ranks of big time celebs saddled with spousal support payments. In one of the most recent examples, reality television staple Betheny Frankel will reportedly pay her ex-husband $12,000 per month in alimony.

Getting their due

While these cases provide dramatic examples of manimony in action, regular women who earn significantly more money than their male counterparts can be held responsible under the law to support their exes when the marriage goes sour. This is especially true when men have served as primary caretakers of the children and put their own careers on the back burner.

Notwithstanding men’s clear rights under the law to receive alimony, there are still traces of gender bias in the family court system that make it more challenging for men to receive the support to which they are entitled. The fact remains that judges have leeway in ordering payments and may exercise their discretion in a way that reflects aversion to ordering women to provide alimony to their ex-husbands. Indeed, the idea that men should be able to “provide for themselves” may prevent justice from being served during the divorce process.

Societal shift

Men who believe they are entitled to support payments must raise this issue. Any stigma attached to receiving alimony should be ignored, since fairness and the law itself dictate that men in such circumstances have just as much right to payments as women. This is especially true when women earn significantly more that their husbands; the men have been and will remain the primary caretakers within the family structure; or are disabled from work; or have other good faith reasons for diminished income.

Conclusion

Many men face an uphill battle in making a claim for alimony.  Therefore, your representation by a knowledgeable and experienced family law attorney is extremely important in such cases. Alimony can be one of the most important – and valuable – rights in the family law world.  It can be worth tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars to you over a lengthy period, so it is worth reviewing your rights with us.  We are compassionate counsel and tough advocates.

If you or someone you love faces this dilemma, please call or write us today.  We will analyze the facts, research the law, and give an opinion as to what they (or you) are entitled to.  In appropriate cases, we will negotiate, mediate, arbitrate, or litigate this issue.  Please call or write us today!