Could a job loss lead to divorce?

 Posted on April 03, 2023 in Divorce

Divorce happens for many different reasons, and every couple’s case is unique. It could be something simple, like discovering that your spouse was having an affair. But it could also be something more complex, like getting married too young and then drifting apart over time as your brain continues to develop and you change as a person.

One thing that people often note as a reason for divorce is job loss. In fact, studies have found a correlation. Those who lose their job see an increase in the odds that they will also end up getting divorced. This doesn’t guarantee it, of course, but simply means that it is more likely for someone who suddenly becomes unemployed.

Why does this happen?

The big reason that this happens is simply that a marriage is likely to be more stable when there is financial security. If the couple can make ends meet and pay other bills easily, it removes a lot of potential stress from the relationship. When someone loses their job, it calls this stability into question and it creates a lot of financial stress. That can take a toll on the relationship.

Additionally, there are those who know that they need to be married to someone else simply to have enough income for their preferred lifestyle. If this is the person’s outlook on marriage, then having an unemployed spouse could mean that they are not getting what they wanted out of the relationship. This is especially true if the person is not able to get another job and goes through a prolonged period of unemployment.

Financial reasons are not the only ones for divorce, but they can play a big role and create a complex situation as you divide assets and plan for the future. It’s important to know about all the legal steps you can take at this time.