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Demanding financial self-sufficiency after divorce: understanding the consequences of the 2008 Alimony Reform

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  • Marianna Schaubert

    (Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology)

  • Johannes Köckeis

    (Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Information Technology)

Abstract

In this paper, we examine whether and to what extent the 2008 Alimony Reform in Germany had an impact on alimony, its likelihood of payment, and cooperation between former spouses. In 2008, financial self-responsibility was imposed on divorcees by limiting post-marital alimony. By estimating panel event models and exploiting the German Tax Payer Panel, we show a significant decline in the likelihood of alimony payment and cooperation for tax purposes after separation. Moreover, the alimony amount was significantly reduced, thus, demonstrating an important redistribution effect of the 2008 Reform. The financially better-off individuals – mainly men – significantly benefited at the expense of their former spouses.

Suggested Citation

  • Marianna Schaubert & Johannes Köckeis, 2025. "Demanding financial self-sufficiency after divorce: understanding the consequences of the 2008 Alimony Reform," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 23(2), pages 737-761, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:reveho:v:23:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s11150-024-09745-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s11150-024-09745-2
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Divorce; Maintenance Law; Alimony;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure
    • K36 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - Family and Personal Law
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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