Are People Postponing Divorce Due to the Economy?

There seems to be a new trend in the world of divorce. Instead of filing for divorce when things go sour, it appears that many unhappily married couples are now staying together to wait things out. Why? Apparently the recession is making people think twice about ending their marriage. Some people simply cannot afford two separate lives. When a marriage ends, usually one spouse is ordered to pay child support and alimony. With thousands of Americans getting laid off from their jobs every day, many people simply cannot afford to make these types of payments. And for those spouses who stayed home to raise children, they undoubtedly would have a hard time surviving without the financial assistance of the other spouse.

The housing market is also making things difficult for people. In the past, divorcing couples could depend on the money they'd make from selling their marital home to start new separate lives. But the housing crisis has led to countless upside mortgages. And while not everyone is upside down on their mortgage, some homeowners are barely able to afford their mortgage payments each month. This type of financial hardship understandably makes things difficult when filing for divorce.

If you and your spouse feel trapped in an unhappy marriage solely due to your current economic situation, please take a moment to consult a divorce lawyer about your options. It's not healthy for you, your spouse, or your children to remain in a miserable household. Although things may seem grim now, there is always a way out if you are willing to compromise and keep an open mind.