Less than 30 years ago, women got married not only for love, but also for economic stability. In recent decades times have changed and roles have begun to shift. According to a new Pew Study, men who marry get the bigger economic perks, not their wives.

Due to the reality that women have entered the workforce in larger numbers over the past 40 years and women now comprise the majority of students in our nation's universities and colleges, the financial foundation in the American household has changed. This increase in the married man's economic state is partially due to the fact that 28 percent of wives have more education than their husbands, which means that they have greater earning potential.

When it comes to incomes, the statistics tell the story. Comparing 2007 to 1970:

• Median household income has increased 60% for married couples vs. 16% for unmarried men.
• Single men brought home an average of $56,951 a year, compared to $65,849 in 2007
• Single women brought home an average of $30,597 in 1970, compared to 
$48,785 in 2007
• Married men's income increased more than $30,000 annually from $45,785 to $73,774
• Married women's annual incomes also jumped about $30,000 from 46,669 to $74,642

Today, twenty-two percent of married women in the United States are considered the breadwinners of their household, compared to four percent in 1970. Since the recession, this growing trend of female breadwinners has become more prevalent. Close to 75 percent of the jobs lost since 2008 were blue collar and white-collar jobs and predominantly held by men. Marriages prove a worthy investment and a great benefit for the men of our culture.

In households in the United States, almost 50% of marriages end in divorce for different reasons, according to divorcerate.org. The effect of the recession, particularly job losses by a spouse have led to increased financial strain on marriages and consequent increases in separation and divorce. Where saving the marriage is not possible the highly respected attorneys of Gailor, Wallis and Hunt are dedicated to assisting men and women in the throes of separation and divorce and helping them obtain a fair and equitable settlement or result at trial. GWH offers knowledge, skill and experience in the many areas of family law that is second to none.

Gailor, Wallis & Hunt
Raleigh Family Law Firm

1-866-362-7586

www.gailorwallishunt.com