Family Law

Fighting about Money? Financial Battles Could Predict Divorce Rate.

By mbrickley

According to a New York Times article, no matter how you break it down, money-related issues increase the chance of a marriage ending in divorce.

New research from Utah State University shows that couples who reported arguing about finances at least once a week have a 30 percent higher chance of filing divorce.

When couples were asked about finance issues and sexual issues in their marriage, women reported both to cause disagreements, but financial arguments were better at predicting whether the marriage would end in divorce. For men, financial arguments were the only ones that seemed to lead to divorce, according to the New York Times article.

Before getting married, there are some things couples should talk about – including finances. Below is a list of premarital discussion topics recommended by the New York Times:

• Individual financial past – how have you historically handled money?
• Who will be in control of joint finances in the marriage – who pays the bills?
• Credit history – do you have a good credit score? Have you always?
• How important is money – how rich do you want/hope to become?

To help avoid potentially fatal (for the marriage) disagreements – have these important discussions with your partner before you tie the knot – it could help keep your marriage alive later.

Full post as published by The Divorce Blog on December 08, 2009 (boomark / email).