Is this Economic Slump Good for Marriage?

With this economic down slide, it is apparent that many businesses are closing, local stores are going bankrupt, and wallets are feeling much lighter than they have in previous months. However, there is one institution that is not feeling the backlash—marriage. Although a shaky economy could very well lead to more frustration in the household and act as a push-factor for divorce, CNN reports that 37% of recently polled attorneys have reported fewer claims for divorces being filed in the United States. Since divorce is such an expensive and money-guzzling process to go through, many couples are left with no choice but to remain in their current state of matrimony until the economy starts to shape up. With frustration and aggravation levels rising in many households, especially those who are struggling to make ends meet, divorce may be the most desired means as a way out. However, many couples cannot afford to go through the costly process, and thus are forced to remain together until some sort of economic upsurge.

Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Sure there’s the point that not automatically filing for divorce acts as a form of divorce mediation, and has the potential to prevent a significant percentage of divorces from ever taking place. However, this may not be entirely a good thing. What about all those households where domestic violence or abuse is taking place, and the women simply cannot afford to file for divorce and remove herself, and potentially her children, from the violent conditions? Yes, the current state of the economy is “good” for the divorce rate, as many cannot afford to go through the process, however; it has the potential to cause even more destruction in certain homes where divorce would normally be the best choice. Perhaps the Obama Administration should work on putting some sort of legislation into action which would lend struggling couples the money needed for divorce-- with very low interest rates built in so that the event the poorest of Americans could afford divorce in the most crucial of situations. What do you think?