1 in 4 Americans Would Consider Divorcing Their Spouse Over This, GOBankingRates Survey Finds

Valentine's Day isn't all roses and champagne as GOBankingRates looks at the money secrets Americans consider marriage deal breakers and the pricey cost of "untying the knot."

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Feb 14, 2019, 12:45 ET

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The saying, "What you don't know can't hurt you" doesn't always apply to relationships, specifically marriage. But when it comes to financial matters, are some secrets enough to destroy a relationship? GOBankingRates surveyed more than 500 people across the U.S. to find that twenty-seven percent of Americans would consider divorcing their spouse over lying about money. However, the survey did find that most Americans are forgiving when it comes to money matters of the heart. Seventy-three percent of respondents said that divorce would not be an option if they found out their partner was carrying a financial secret.

GOBankingRates surveyed more than 500 people across the U.S. to find that twenty-seven percent of Americans would consider divorcing their spouse over lying about money. (PRNewsfoto/GOBankingRates)

Top Survey Findings

Seventy-eight percent of Americans said they have not lied to either their current or former partner about their finances
Women and men are in close agreement over the amount of hidden debt they would tolerate before considering divorce -- with women claiming $15,490 and men claiming $14,414
Adults ages 25-34 are willing to tolerate the most hidden debt -- $18,094, on average
Twenty-two percent of Americans have lied to their partners about their finances, specifically their spending habits and amount of debt
Women are more likely to have lied about their spending habits than men -- 13% versus 6%

GOBankingRates offers several telltale signs that your partner might have financial secrets -- for example, if they insist on keeping separate bank accounts and not divulging any details, or if financial statements stop showing up indefinitely. Regularly reviewing your finances, spending habits and money goals together can go a long way in preventing any marital issues from arising. But if it comes to the point of no return and divorce seems imminent, you might want to research the cost of breaking up in your home state.

Divorce can be emotionally draining as well as incredibly pricey. The study found that California has one of the highest average divorce filing fees should you decide to pull the plug on your marriage after discovering your partner's financial secrets. Washington, D.C., has the highest average divorce attorney's fee.

Top 5 Most Expensive U.S. States to Get Divorced

1. California

Average divorce filing fee: $435
Average divorce attorney's fee: $13,800

2. Connecticut

Average divorce filing fee: $360
Average divorce attorney's fee: $12,200

3. Florida

Average divorce filing fee: $380
Average divorce attorney's fee: $10,700

4. Texas

Average divorce filing fee: $300
Average divorce attorney's fee: $12,400

5. New Jersey

Average divorce filing fee: $300
Average divorce attorney's fee: $12,300

You can go here to find out the additional 15 states where the cost of divorce is higher based on the average court filing fees and attorney's fees and see if your state is one of them.

Additional Insights

After you file for divorce in Arizona, there's a 60-day "cooling off" period before it can be finalized.
If you are a parent in Delaware and file for divorce, you're required to take a parent education class and your divorce won't be processed until you obtain a certificate of completion.
In Louisiana, spouses who have minor children must live apart for a full year before a divorce will be granted, according to HG.org.
New Jersey is one of the states that accepts "no-fault" divorces, in which neither spouse has to prove that the other is responsible for causing the marriage to end.

About GOBankingRates

GOBankingRates.com is a personal finance news and features website dedicated to helping visitors Live Richer™. From tips on saving money to investing for retirement or finding a good interest rate, GOBankingRates helps turn financial goals into milestones and money dreams into realities. Its content is regularly featured on top-tier media outlets, including MSN, Yahoo!, AOL, Business Insider, CNBC, USA Today and dozens of others. GOBankingRates specializes in connecting consumers with the financial institutions and products that best match their needs. Start your journey toward a rich mind and full wallet
with us at GOBankingRates.com.

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SOURCE GOBankingRates