According to new research from the Institute for Social and Economic Research at the University of Essex, one in five mothers falls into poverty following the breakdown of a relationship. As children normally stay with their mothers, the study confirms that women and children see living standards decline by more than men, on average, upon separation. Analysis of the results also show that this fall in living standards is much greater for those women and children who previously lived in high-income households. The study, which was funded by the Nuffield Foundation, considered data from the British Household Panel Survey between 1991 and 2008.
Third of women fall into poverty
Researchers found that almost a third of women, normally over the age of 50 and often married, fell into relative poverty after couples with grown up children separated. Meanwhile, 19% of children fall into relative poverty after their parents split up. Commenting on the findings, Mike Brewer, professor of economics at the university, who co-authored the study with Dr Alita Nandi, said "Women continue to see living standards fall by more after separation than men, especially when children are involved, but even for couples with no children. Mothers and children from high-income families see especially large drops in living standards, because the loss of the man's earnings is in no way compensated for by higher income from alimony, child maintenance, benefits and tax credits, and having fewer mouths to feed."
Single parents “struggling to pay essential bills”
Fiona Weir, the chief executive of single parent charity Gingerbread, noted that the research “chimes with what many of the single parents we work with tell us every day: that they are really struggling to pay essential bills and put food on the table.” She went on to warn that the “findings underline how vital it is to get child maintenance flowing to single-parent families” and urged the government to “ensure the changes it is making to the child maintenance system don't see this figure fall even lower” (see the previous Crisp & Co news item about changes to child maintenance for more information).
Helping single parents after a separation
The expert divorce lawyers at Crisp & Co have a whole wealth of experience in assisting single parents in the aftermath of a divorce or separation. We can help you to understand your legal position and ensure your interests are protected. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to find out more.