what rights should a non-working spouse have in a relationship?

Answer 1

Same as a working spouse. It isn't like a corporation where your vote is equivalent to your stake in the business.

Answer 2

Wow, there are lots of variables on this. In my experience, a "non-working" spouse usually has a lot to do. Cleaning, cooking, shoping, household chores, taking care of kids, sometimes it can add up to an eight hour day five days a week. Sometimes, it doesn't. Sometimes it works out to closer to three hours a day three days a week. But then, household chores done by the working partner need to count also. If you're only working twelve hours a week, and your husband is working 40 + chores at home, you have to consider you're basically getting free room, board, clothing, electricity, and Internet. Someone could argue you owe your hubby a lot at that point, and that your rights should be set by him. (And reverse if you're the one working and he's not.) On the other hand, if your life is such that you spend 45 hours a week cooking, cleaning, etc, and he spends 40 hours at work, a half hour each way in commute, and has no chores at home, then you're about even, right? You should have equal rights.

Answer 3

Rights remain the same working or not working but the non working spouse should be more considered about where he/she use the money and should keep in mind that only one is working so do talk to the spouse before buying something expensive either for the house or for her/himself... communication has to be there otherwise it will become a mess!!
Besides that he or she is not superior than the other one!! there were certain vows taken during the marriage they still remain there!!!

Answer 4

Marriage is a partnership, so you should have equal rights. Actually, rights is a poor way to look at the marriage relationship, because when you take your vows, you are vowing to serve your mate. The idea of rights is left at the altar when you marry. The marriage has more rights than either of you do individually if you are really doing marriage the right way.

Too many get trapped in the idea of seeking to get "credit" for what you do. If you want your contribution to the family valued, then often you have to do the same regarding his contribution. (I think you are the woman here, so pardon me if I've gotten this wrong.) Instead of looking at getting what is due you, a couple must look at every situation as what is best for our family and for preserving love with my spouse.

Too many times I've seen women complain that they don't get credit for what they do as a Stay At Home Mom (SAHM) or complain that their husband doesn't do anything, when we later find out he's working 12+ hours / day and taking care of the home, lawn, garbage and cars so you can stay home and be mom. So instead of feeling like his contributions are valued, he feels like it makes no difference what he does, it's never enough. Focusing on "rights" only makes this situation worse.

I get the impression you are looking at this from a money perspective, and that's fine.

I do believe that a couple should have a spending plan (often called a budget, but that sounds so constrictive) where they mutually agree on how to spend the money.

That has to be a realistic view of how much you make, how much you spend and what, if anything is left.

I believe that the husband and wife need to have one of these and BOTH have to stick to it. Each is given a like allowance, and any other spending or changes to the plan have to be mutually and enthusiastically agreed upon.

So if he wants a new boat, but you don't, no new boat. If you want a new kitchen, but he doesn't, then no new kitchen.

You have to figure out a way that each of your needs and wants get on the table and you both are working towards satisfying as many of those needs and wants as possible.

Answer 5

The same rights as the working spouse. No more and no less. You both are a partnership and the relationship should be based on that.

Answer 6

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm..... (rubbing chin)
Well, I guess it is all on how you look at it, and possibly how you've been raised. And if you feel the individual has a good reason for not taking care of themselves, and their responsibilities.
Some people feel that the non-working spouse, should be the one at home, cooking, cleaning, laundry, taking care of little people, etc. etc.
However sometimes the non-working spouse may do these things, but feel as though they aren't appreciated helping.
Soooo... I guess as long as the two individuals live together, and feel as though they still work as a team. And there isn't any conflict. It wouldn't matter what anyone else thinks.....

Answer 7

About as much rights the working spouse has in deciding how much sex he or she should get. Seriously though. Marriage is a 50/50 situation. Communicate with your spouse. Only together will you come to a solution.

Answer 8

Rights? What, they get rights? lol Just kidding.
My SIL went through that with my brother when he was working and she was not. She felt aweful cause she worked her butt off to take care of him and their home. They have no kids but she did a LOT. Yet she felt like she was unnappreciated because she didn't bring home a big fat paycheck every week. She works p/t now so things have changed. So I say if the person not working is contributing something like household duties or something then they deserve equal rights as the person working outside fot he home. And regardless of what the situation is both people deserve respect anyway.

Answer 9

You should have all the rights as the working spouse in the family. We do live in the United States of America.............

Answer 10

I am a stay at home mom, and in our house, I have all the same rights as my husband. He doesn't think that he deserves special privileges because he goes out to work. I stay home, but it's my 'job' raise the children, take care of the house and manage our finances. We both know that we need each other to make things run smoothly.