New research by AUT senior lecturer Michael Fletcher shows women are hit the hardest financially compared to men following a relationship break up.
The report entitled 'An Investigation into aspects of the economic consequences of marital separation among New Zealand parents' is considered a world first.
His study aims to provide answer to three questions:
- What are the short to medium term economic impacts of marital separation for the New Zealand men and women with dependent children?
- How do economic outcomes compare for ex-partners?
- What are the likely impacts of the new liability assessment formula in the Child Support Amendment Act 2013 on child support payments and receipts?
Dr Fletcher's research shows 62% of men were better off in relation to income while 38% experienced a decline. However among women, just 27 % were better off and 73% had a lower income in 2010 compared to 2008.