The recent economic downturn has caused many couples who might otherwise break up to tough out their relationships until they are on better economic footing to leave the marriage, one Virginia expert says. The rates of both marriage and divorce are lower because of the depressed economic condition in Virginia and across the country. While there certainly can be financial and emotional cost associated with divorce and many Richmond couples may not be able to add those costs to an already tight budget, it may not always be the best idea to wait until the recession ends to finally divorce.

A professor at the University of Virginia says that economic stress could have two major effects on a couple's relationships: added stress or increased commitment. Financial insecurity often causes a couple to experience higher levels of anxiety, and sometimes it pushes couples to a breaking point. But, because finances may be tight, many couples decide to halt their divorce proceedings after they begin, largely because of those economic reasons. Some say this is because people have fewer assets and less equity in their homes when compared to past eras, which can make a divorce more difficult.

While the Virginia professor believes that some couples can actually reconcile and strengthen their marriage while they delay until both spouses have more economic security, some couples may find it is healthier to divorce right away. Anyone in a violent marriage filled with abuse and domestic violence will often be much safer divorcing immediately rather than waiting. As the financial stresses get to a violent spouse, it is possible that abuse may increase. Similarly, couples whose marriages have fallen apart because of unhealthy habits may find an earlier divorce will allow both former spouses to move forward and develop healthier relationships.

Divorce is certainly not for everyone and there are some people who can get through rough patches, forming a stronger and happier marriage, but other spouses may find they cannot have a happy marriage, no matter what they try. Divorce is a part of everyday life and speaking with a divorce attorney can give anyone considering separation an idea of what divorce might entail.

Source: The Virginian-Pilot, "Expert assesses effect of bad economy on marriages," Philip Walzer, Feb. 13, 2012