- Teamwork… Only 5% of divorced respondents said that money was the sole reason they got divorced, but 51% said that financial differences contributed to the split. The majority (54%) of married respondents said finances are a two-person job in their relationship, whereas 28% of divorced respondents said they made joint decisions when married.
- Credit Compatibility… While one person in a marriage usually has a higher score than the other, there was a significant difference between divorced and married respondents’ scores: 51% of married respondents said their credit scores were similar to their spouse’s, compared to 23% of divorced respondents when married. Although credit scores reflect financial behavior, it does not say that married people have better credit scores only that credit score compatibility could contribute to a more successful marriage or factor in divorce.
- Debt… When asked the type of debt brought into the marriage (credit card, auto loan, student loan, mortgage, medical debt, personal loan or none), most respondents, divorced and married, reported bringing similar kinds of debt to the relationship, with the exception of medical debt and personal loans.
- Communication… In the survey, 22% of divorced respondents said they didn’t know their spouse’s credit scores versus 15% of married respondents. Knowing financial issues and working together lends itself to more successful relationship. Communicating, before marriage, if a pre-nuptial agreement would be useful to both parties, is a factor to consider.
In conclusion, this survey points to the fact that financial decisions are an important factor in marriage and divorce. Knowing, monitoring and protecting your credit score before, during and after divorce is critical as well as protecting your assets and limiting your debt.
If you are facing a divorce and have questions about your financial future, you should contact the Stange Law Firm, PC for help
