Young women in Washington and beyond might have a hard time believing that a century ago, women in the United States were just then acquiring voting privileges. Since then, much has changed in this state and across the country. There are more women in the workforce now than ever before. However, data shows that even in dual-income households, women do most of the housework, which may or may not be a pertinent issue as to why more women file for divorce than men.
Along with gaining the right to vote through the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, women have fought for equal rights in other areas as well. Wage discrimination and other issues continue to present challenges. For the most part, though, women are generally more independent today than their counterparts were in the 1800s.
This might be why many women are no longer hesitant to file for divorce rather than stay in unhappy relationships. Those who have the means to financially support themselves, especially, may not be as concerned as a woman in the 1800s might have been when considering whether she would be able to make ends meet if she were to file for divorce. Many marriage analysts say there is also less social pressure today for women to “put up with bad behavior” from a spouse. And divorce no longer has the social stigma that it once did.
Of course, divorce has financial implications regardless whether the person initiating proceedings happens to be male or female. And a family court no longer automatically grants child custody to mothers over fathers. This is why, if anyone is concerned about property division, child custody or alimony, it is best to consult with an experienced Washington family law attorney before heading to court.