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Couples Who Scrimp Together Stay Together?

Economic tough times have caused unhappy couples to rethink divorce

By Annie Geffroy

| Monday, Nov 2, 2009 | Updated 12:00 PM PST

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Couples Who Scrimp Together Stay Together?

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Couples find that in light of the times, it makes more financial "cents" to stick together.

They say money can’t buy love, but in this economic climate money could mean another anniversary. Financial woes are a common reason for couples to split, but it seems that these days, divorce just isn’t in the budget.

According to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 57% of its attorneys have seen a drop in the number of divorce filings since 2008. Cutbacks in jobs, salaries and house prices could be a contributing factor.

Divorce in California can be costly, racking up thousands in legal fees and billable hours, an expense that many are simply unable to afford.

“Forced to weigh damaged marriages against tight budgets and uncertain financial outlooks, many spouses seem more willing to try and wait out the recessionary storm,” said Gary Nickelson, president of the AAML.

Looks like California couples may be sticking it out, at least until the DOW picks up.