When contemplating the idea of marriage, every couple is sure to silently wonder if something will cause a divorce later down the road. There are many possible red flags to consider, but the accumulation of assets is one that may be less obvious.
When committing to a marriage, most couples proceed with the intent to make their relationship work well in the long run. Understanding the correlation between having more assets and the likelihood of divorce is important in preventing potential marital conflicts.
What is the correlation between asset wealth and divorce?
Studies into the circumstances behind divorce statistics reveal that income disparity and the overall economy may directly correlate to the likelihood of divorce. Marriages in which one spouse has significantly more assets than the other are more likely to end in divorce. However, couples are more likely to stay together during times of economic downturn.
What is the cause of the correlation?
When one spouse earns significantly more than the other, feelings of resentment can ensue. The higher-income spouse may feel that their partner is overly reliant, while the lower-income spouse may feel neglected if their partner spends long hours at the office or travels for work. When the economy declines, though, couples may feel compelled to stay together even if their marriage is under intense strain.
While each marriage is unique, statistics do show that individuals with more assets are more likely to go through a divorce. High-asset divorce can be a complicated process though, so it is important to make preparations well ahead of time if a split seems inevitable.