Can keeping a job keep you married?

Do people still marry for money? Given the changing gender roles within marriages (i.e. more dads staying home to raise children while moms work), one might believe that only the wealthy still hold on to tradition. Nevertheless, the question is still an interesting inquiry given how a spouse's employment status may predict whether he or she will divorce.

A recent Cincinnati.com article referenced a study conducted at the University of Ohio (and later published in the American Journal of Sociology) finding that a woman's employment status may not affect whether her husband will stay or leave her. This finding ostensibly reinforces the notion that husbands are providers, protectors and are happy to assume this role despite potential issues within the marriage.

At the same time, researchers found that employed women are more likely to divorce their unemployed husbands if the marriage becomes strained. This supports the traditional notion that a man being unemployed is unacceptable.

So what does this mean for unemployed husbands, especially with unemployment still relatively high? Unfortunately, the answer lies in how individual relationships are built. Of course, if money problems are one of the major disputes in the relationship, chances are that the marriage is in trouble. If the couple views financial despair with a "we're in this together" approach, the marriage is likely to survive a stent of unemployment.

When money and debt issues lead to divorce, it is important to understand how Ohio law works regarding debt division. An experienced family law attorney can answer your questions and advise you of your rights and options.

Source: Cincinnati.com, Money Quick Tips: Job loss and marriage, January 26, 2013