New Study Links Money Arguments to Divorce

 Posted on July 19, 2013 in Divorce

A new study written by Sonya Britt, a Kansas State University researcher, states that arguing about money, especially early on in a relationship or marriage, is the top predictor of divorce, according to the Huffington Post. The research found that “couples who argued about money early in their relationship—regardless of their income, debt, or net worth—were at a greater risk for divorce.” Britt writes that despite previous collective thought that arguments about the children, sex, or in-laws were top predictors for the longevity of the relationship, it’s really all about money, for both men and women. The study, published in 2012 in Family Relations journal, “looked at longitudinal data from more than 4,500 couples as part of the National Survey of Families and Households.” The research also concluded that arguments about money were longer lasting and more intense than other types of marital disputes, which seems like common sense if they’re the top predictors of divorce. Even if the couple manages to move past those early arguments, Britt told the Huffington Post that “it doesn’t matter how long ago it was, but when they were first together and already arguing about money, there is a good chance they are going to have poor relationship satisfaction.” Divorce and financial troubles go hand in hand—this isn’t the first study to notice a correlation between the two. In 2011, according to Phys.org, “low-income couples who receive government assistance such as Medicaid or Food Stamps are significantly less satisfied and committed in their marriages.” David Schramm, an assistant professor at the University of Missouri, where the study was conducted, told Phys.org that, “we found that there’s a unique relationship among income level, government assistance and marital satisfaction and commitment.” If you or someone you know is considering divorce, because of financial woes or any other reason, don’t go through it alone. Contact an experienced Chicago family law attorney today. Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net