Divorce can occur for several reasons, but one of the main sources of disputes between couples is money. Money provides couples with opportunities like purchasing a family home, going on vacation or starting a joint business.
Unfortunately, spouses can have different financial priorities that lead to conflict and resentment. Here are some of the leading causes of financial disputes between spouses.
Financial secrets
While each spouse should retain some independence, secrets in a relationship are never good. If a spouse has hidden debts and another financial burden, this can strain the relationship. Individual debts can impact joint financial accounts and even the personal finances of the spouse, who was unaware of the problems.
Unequal earnings and contributions
Unequal income and financial contributions can also cause arguments. One spouse may feel they must work too hard to stay afloat. However, there are always two perspectives in a relationship. The spouse who is earning less and not able to work as often may feel undervalued or dependent.
Major priorities
While spouses don’t have to agree on everything, they must have some shared priorities. For instance, do both spouses want to travel? Do both spouses want to buy a house or start a family? Minor differences are normal and can be ironed out, but major differences in financial priorities can be more tricky to resolve.
Financial disputes are common, and they can vary in severity. What matters most is that spouses keep lines of communication open. Unfortunately, major financial disputes can be irreconcilable, and that’s when divorce is a real possibility. If you feel that you are in this situation, seeking legal guidance may help.