New Study Reveals that Couples are Staying Together for the Sake of the Economy

OAK BROOK, IL, July 01, 2011 (Press-News.org) Oak Brook, Ill. divorce lawyers J. Richard Kulerski and Kari L. Cornelison are not surprised at the outcome of a recent study regarding the prevalence of divorce during economic downturns. While popular belief and anecdotal evidence might suggest stress over finances leads to more divorces, according to the University of Virginia's National Marriage Project, that's not necessarily so.

In a study of nearly 1,200 married Americans ages 18-45, researchers found that in some cases the Recession actually resulted in "two silver linings when it comes to marriage." Many couples reported:
• A deepened commitment to marriage, or
• Postponement of divorce among those who were considering divorce prior to the economic downturn.

Losing a job or taking a cut in pay, facing foreclosure and worry about being able to meet expenses can put tremendous stress on a relationship, especially if it's on rocky ground to begin with. But when attacked by an outside force, in this case the economy, some couples (nearly 30 percent) responded by pulling together. Thus, allowing the stress of the Recession to draw them together and deepen their commitment.

Couples with multiple stress factors fared the worst as only 26 percent of these couples agreed they have a very happy marriage. And, 38 percent of those who were considering divorce or legal separation prior to the recession, found it necessary to proceed.

A major conclusion to be drawn from The University of Virginia study is that bad economic times will generally pull couples together, rather than push them apart.

Attorney Kari Cornelison adds that the housing market is also reducing new divorce filings in Cook and DuPage counties. According to Cornelison, "Couples contemplating divorce cannot move on with their lives if they cannot sell their home, and homes are just not selling at this point in time. In addition, neither party wants to sell their interest to the other party with the market low. Furthermore, even if the couple can agree on a buy-out price between them, their bank is unlikely to approve the loan or the refinancing that is necessary to do the deal."

The Law Firm of Kulerski and Cornelison has offices in downtown Chicago (Cook County) and in suburban Oak Brook (DuPage County), IL.

For more information call 630-928-0600, or visit civilizeddivorce.com. Questions can also be directed to either Kari L. Cornelison (kc@illinoislegal.com) or to J. Richard Kulerski (rk@illinoislegal.com).

Richard and Kari are enthusiastic practitioners of divorce mediation, collaborative law, and cooperative divorce law, and use all three to help couples minimize the pain and cost commonly associated with the legal system.