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For the unhappily married, does economy make affairs more common?

On Behalf of | Sep 9, 2011 | Divorce

There is no one tried-and-true way to do a divorce. Not all divorces cost the same, even though some people assume that the legal process will cost them all that they have. If a couple works together and keeps cost in mind, they can end their marriage for a reasonable price. For some, the split might be worth it. It’s hard to put a price on starting a new chapter in one’s life, free of an unhappy marriage.

Of course, it’s easier to say that than it is for unhappy couples to live by that advice. Many people have been laid off and are underwater on their home mortgages, making divorce sound too overwhelming. A report claims that the recession has made some feel stuck in their marriages and, therefore, they seek romantic happiness elsewhere.

CNBC reports that the divorce rate has generally stayed quite steady in recent years, while the rate of infidelity has supposedly increased. The report suggests that rather than unhappy spouses choosing to pay for divorce, they stay in the marriage but find the comfort they are looking for through infidelity.

Have you heard of the controversial website created for unhappy spouses who are looking for new relationships? It’s called Ashley Madison, and sources report that the site’s popularity spikes in times of economic hardship. Says a representative of the business: “We’re not a recession-proof business, we’re a recession-growth business.” He says that many of the site’s users describe their marriages as over. They just aren’t at the point (often financially) where they want to officially divorce.

Who knows how long the U.S. economy will continue to struggle? It’s been a difficult few years, with families having to sacrifice a lot and live in ways that don’t necessarily match their dreams they had when they said “I do.” Infidelity, however, can put a couple’s relationship at risk. If at some point a couple does choose to divorce, especially if they have kids, protecting the trust and respect that the marriage was built on can be what makes a divorce process healthy, beneficial for both parties and less expensive.

Source

CNBC: “Bad Economy? A Good Time for a Steamy Affair,” Cindy Perman, Sep. 7, 2011

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