New research conducted by the National Center for Marriage and Family Research at Bowling Green State University has revealed that an increasing number of women in the United States are divorced or separated from their spouse.

According to the study, in 1920 less than one percent of American women were divorced or separated. Currently, around 15 percent of women in the U.S. are According to the study. In addition, the study revealed that divorcees are less likely to get married again these days.

Research has also revealed that women are more often the initiators of divorce in the United States. The National Center for Health Statistics has reported that in approximately two-thirds of all divorces in the U.S., the wife filed the paperwork to initiate the process.

Not only are more women initiating divorces, but also fewer are entering into marriages in the first place, according to the Bowling Green State study. The researchers reported that the marriage rate across the country has fallen by roughly 60 percent since 1970.

For those women who choose to end their marriage, however, there can be some unexpected consequences these days.

Increasing number of women expected to make alimony payments

As the number of women who earn more than their significant other has increased, a corresponding rise has been seen in the number of women ordered to make alimony payments to their former spouse.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 37 percent of American households in 2011 had wives who earned more than their husbands. The data included households in which both spouses worked and those in which the wife was the sole wage earner.

In Connecticut, either the husband or wife may be ordered by the court to make alimony payments following a divorce. The court will consider a variety of factors to determine the amount and the length of the award. For instance, the court will consider how long the couple was married. In addition, the court will consider a number of biographical factors, such as the age, occupation and potential employability of the spouses. If one parent has been awarded custody of the couple’s young children, the court will also consider the “desirability” of that parent obtaining a job.

If you are considering getting a divorce, you should take steps to make certain you are aware of your rights. Seek the counsel of a knowledgeable family law attorney to ensure your rights are protected.