Does financial stress really lead to divorce?

On Behalf of | Feb 16, 2024 | Divorce

You may have heard people say that money is the main reason for divorce. And it is involved in many different divorce cases. It’s often a source of contention during property division when couples cannot agree on how to split up the assets that they own.

But would financial stress during a marriage really be bad enough to lead to a divorce? It can, and it happens in numerous different ways. Below are two examples.

Different financial priorities

First and foremost, a couple may find out that they each have different priorities when it comes to their money. One person wants to have future financial security and stability, so they focus on saving their money. The other person wants to have certain experiences in life, so they enjoy spending their money.

There’s no inherent problem with either perspective, but it may be difficult for the couple to work together when they see things so differently. Eventually, one or both may decide that a divorce is the only real solution.

Financial infidelity

In some cases, there are issues of financial infidelity, which is hidden spending or dishonesty about finances. This could happen when one spouse spends a significant amount of money without telling the other – perhaps because they know the other person won’t approve of that purchase. Financial infidelity could also happen if one person is dishonest about how much money they earn, perhaps inflating their own income.

If you’re getting divorced, the financial side of the process can certainly be complex. You need to divide marital assets and sort out issues like child support or alimony. Take the time to carefully look into all of your legal options.