However, the revision of the Family Code, dating back to 1982 has not been completed yet. At present Albanian law attributes to lawfully married couples common property on all goods bought or received during the marriage and in case of divorce property shall be divided equally. However, the spouse traditionally moves to the house of the husband, and thus belongs exclusively to the man. Upon divorce wives are not entitled to alimony and both parents are responsible for maintenance of their children up to 18 years of age, or 25 if they are students. The right to alimony triggers only if one of the parties is declared unable to work and for a limit of three years.
Child support is based on the parents' earnings and on the child's needs.
Law treats children born out of wedlock equally to those born within marriage. Child and Family Policies Poverty profile Even before the 1997 crisis poverty was widely spread. Poverty is more pervasive in rural areas but more severe in towns. When extended households are headed by women poverty incidence in twice that of male-headed families and the poverty gap is higher. However education alone is not an antidote against poverty.