Federal judges signal change in divorce thinking

Pixabay

The Federal Court has sent a strong signal that it believes alimony and child care payments after a divorce could be limited and a non-working partner should be encouraged to re-enter the job market.

The decision will affect women more than men. The group Männer.ch, which represents men and fathers says the new guidance will be good for men and women – and Alliance F, which looks after women’s interests also broadly welcomed the decision – but says there needs to be more protection for women who have children to make sure they’re not forced out of the job market in the first place. 

Courts have used the ‘45-year rule’ for many years. It suggests a spouse its not required to work after a divorce if they were not working at the time of the split and is over 45 years old. 

But now federal judges say there should always be the possibility of gainful employment. 
 

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