Why Do We Even Have Spousal Support in Virginia?

Why do we even have spousal support in Virginia?

Author Stephanie Coontz highlights at least one good reason that gets traction in some cases: “Women who quit their jobs or cut their hours suffer a wage penalty that widens over the years, even if they return to the job market and work continuously for two more decades.  Over a lifetime, even a temporary absence from the workforce can cost a woman hundreds of thousands of dollars, making her more economically vulnerable in case of divorce or the death of her spouse.”  Stephanie Coontz, Five Myths About Marriage, The Washington Post, May 27, 2012.