Money woes ‘main cause of marriage splits’

MONEY worries could drive more than one in 10 married couples to split this year, according to research.

Some 22% of people have considered ending their relationships, a survey found, with family finances cited as the main reason for break-ups.

Other top causes for tension include working long hours, domestic responsibilities, not spending enough time together, and lack of sex.

The results of the study of 2,093 British people were released today — the date lawyers have dubbed ‘divorce day’ because of the spike in couples considering ending their marriage after the festive period.

Family l awyer Lorraine Harvey, from Slater and Gordon, who did the research, said: “Relationships showing cracks are likely to buckle under the pressure and expense Christmas brings. Money is always a issue and if one person feels their partner is not pulling their weight financially, then it can very quickly cause resentment.”

Of those quizzed by the law firm, 12% confessed that increasing financial pressures could force them to split in 2018. Some 16% admitted rowing with their other half about money in the past week, with more than a quarter (26%) saying family finances were responsible for most of their marital arguments.

Overall, 42% of marriages now end in divorce, with the average marriage now lasting 12 years. QUIZ: 1. Linen. 2. Fear of constipation. 3. Bangkok. 4. Charlton Heston. 5. Suet crust. 6. Baseball. Link: SPEND.