As people all over the country continue to suffer through one of the most difficult real estate markets in memory, the number of divorces that involve home foreclosure and other financial problems appear to be on the rise. While there has been no definitive study tying foreclosure to divorce in recent years, it has long been understood that financial stress is closely associated with the deterioration of marriages and eventual divorce.

Nicholas Retsinas, director of Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies, says the three factors most likely to be linked to a foreclosure are loss of a job, illness, and loss of a spouse. On the other hand, polls have indicated that financial issues are typically the number two cause of divorce, trailing only incidents of abuse. That raises the question of whether of divorces are the result of impending foreclosures, or perhaps foreclosures are the result of divorce proceedings.

According to some experts, both propositions might be true, depending on the situation. One Florida realtor that maintains a blog claims he has seen mortgage problems and foreclosures lead directly to numerous divorces. Often times, existing financial troubles lead to the threat of foreclosure and then both spouses begin turning on each other as they try to cope with losing their home. While some couples may work together to solve the financial problems, others find it easier to cut their losses and get out of the home and the marriage.

There seems to be a clear connection between wealth and divorce, according to Dr. Jeff Sherrill, a psychologist from Columbus, Ohio. The instability of being poor or having few financial resources leads to similarly unstable marriages, and thus, a greater risk of divorce. With the falling of home values across the country, even those that formerly felt as though they had some wealth in their home might now feel that they have little to fall back on.

While many contemplating divorce may just want out of the marriage regardless of the circumstances, it may be worth talking with a professional to discuss the financial and legal ramifications of divorce. Planning with the help of professional, may be the best way to avoid unnecessary complications as you try to get your personal and financial life back on track.

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