The Economy and Divorce

The troubled economy has had an interesting effect on marriages throughout the country. Every day it seems as if a new article is published about the effects of the economy on the divorce rate.  One article says the economy is pushing couples apart, another says the hard economic times have spiced things up in the bedroom, while other articles talk about how unhappily married couples are staying together because they cannot afford to hire a divorce lawyer.

It makes sense that a poor economy would have at least some effect on relationships.  After all, money and job security is a huge aspect of a person’s self-worth and a family’s ability to survive.  When money is tight, it could stir up any number of emotions.  Some couples become closer after going through a difficult time, both intimately and emotionally.  When there isn’t enough money to spend on leisure activities, some couples turn their attention to the bedroom, reigniting what caused them to fall in the love in the first place.  On the complete opposite side of the spectrum, other families are torn apart.  For some couples, the stress and frustration of the situation can lead to so much fighting and bickering and blame that it drives them apart, ultimately ending in a divorce.

Then there are those articles about couples who are unhappily married but stay together because they cannot afford to get divorced, either because they cannot afford to hire a divorce lawyer, or because they cannot afford child support, spousal support, or supporting oneself on only one income.  

Once the economy finally begins to turn around, it will be interesting to see what happens to these couples and the divorce rate. Will the divorce rate go down? Will more couples stay together in a strong economy? Only time will tell.

Considering filing for divorce? Contact Jacksonville divorce attorney Scott Ellerin today!