Financial troubles and financial stress are often cited as predictors of divorce. A couple that experiences a higher number of financial problems is more likely to split up. The relationship itself is simply stressed because it’s difficult for the couple to make ends meet, perhaps because one spouse lost their job or something of this nature.
But if not having enough money can increase the odds of divorce, does that mean that the opposite is also true? Would someone who is significantly wealthy be less likely to split up on account of that wealth? Interestingly, some studies have found that this is not the case.
Divorce may actually be more likely
What some research has found is that divorce may actually be more likely if a couple has significant assets.
Part of the reason for this is that they know they will both have relative financial security after the divorce. Couples in a lower income bracket may think that they need to stay married even if they are unhappy because they need two incomes just to pay the rent. But, wealthy couples don’t have the same concerns and know that they can both be financially stable on their own. This may make them more likely to end an unhappy marriage.
Plus, even these wealthy couples can experience financial stress. They may disagree about how to invest money or how to plan for retirement. They may also struggle to make ends meet simply because they have more expensive assets – high car payments and mortgage payments to go with their higher earnings.
Getting divorced with significant wealth can be more complicated when trying to divide those marital assets. Those involved need to know what legal options they have.