Family Law

Do tough economic times put extra strain on marriage? The experts say 'yes.'

While therapists and counselors say business is up thanks to our sagging economy, some divorce attornies say their phones have also been ringing with a lot of questions.

So, how are things going here in Arkansas? The Natural State already has one of the highest divorce rates in the country, only Nevada is higher on the list.

A North Little Rock attorney we spoke with says while things are usually quiet in his office the month of December, Arkansans are bucking the trend this year. Boasting one of the highest marriage rates in the country, people in Arkansas are obviously eager to "have and to hold for better or for worse."

But unfortunately, some Arkansans aren't sticking to the "as long as we both shall live" part of the deal.

The divorce rate in the United States is 3.6 out of every thousand people. But in Arkansas, that number jumps to 6.1.

Attorney Sam Hilburn says divorce proceedings are never easy, and he's been busier than usual in recent past.

"Generally during the month of December, because of Christmas, people are more reluctant to initiate or begin a divorce, and this particular year I haven't seen much fall off from that or any hesitation to go ahead and file for divorce,? Hilburn says.

Hilburn says the sluggish economy and the troubles that come along with it could be to blame for marital discord.

Obviously, money causes all kinds of stress, but with the housing market in the tank and people losing jobs, marriage could be more fragile than usual.



From ArkansasMatters.com.