Father seeks financial protection for becoming a stay-at-home dad

A recent discussion on Reddit has raised questions about the financial implications of becoming a stay-at-home parent. A father expressed concerns about his wife's proposal for him to take on this role after their first child is born. The wife earns significantly more than he does, and he worries about the financial risks he might face if their relationship ends. In the post, the father suggested that his wife should give him a share of her property as a safety net for the career sacrifices he would be making. He feels uncertain about his demand and whether it is fair. Divorce lawyer Michelle O’Neil weighed in, stating that the father's request is reasonable. She noted that many people experience financial difficulties due to career breaks taken for parenting. O'Neil highlighted the importance of open discussions about such major life decisions. She pointed out that unilateral decisions can indicate power imbalances in a relationship. O'Neil emphasized that staying home can lead to loss of income, reduced pensions, and financial dependence. She encouraged couples to recognize and address these risks together. Marriage should be a partnership where contributions, whether financial or otherwise, are valued.