In some cases, it seems like wealth prevents divorce. After all, some couples get divorced because of ongoing financial stress. But that may simply be because they are living paycheck to paycheck, so they are experiencing a lot of financial stress on a regular basis. A couple with a net worth in the millions does not have the same concerns, so that could make their marriage more stable.
This certainly can be true in some situations, but studies have found that the opposite may also be true. Specifically, when the economy grows stronger, divorce rates tend to rise. These studies suggest that being wealthy may actually increase the odds of getting a divorce. Why would this happen?
Financial stability leads to options
It still comes back to financial stability. For couples who do not have many assets or who have a low income level, being married can often increase the financial stability that they feel. They may be unhappy with the romantic relationship, but they want to stay married because it is the only way they can afford a home or other necessities.
Wealthy couples, however, are not worried about these types of issues. If a couple has a net worth of $10 million, even if they do not get exactly what they want in property division, both spouses know that they would be financially stable and secure on their own. As such, if they are unhappy with the relationship, they may be more likely to file for a divorce. They know that they can be independent, and they do not have to stay married for financial reasons.
A high-asset divorce can get very complex, especially when splitting up assets, so couples in this position must understand their legal options.