MARRIAGE vows say for richer or poorer but that doesn’t seem to hold true in a recession.
For the first time in seven years, the divorce rate rose last year by 4.9% according to figures from the Office of National Statistics. The report suggested the world recession has had an impact.
Higher taxes and less cash – particularly among middle income families – has caused the rise in relationship failures.
One firm of lawyers in Liverpool has even offered an unusual Christmas present for those affected – divorce vouchers. They say the coupons are an ideal and thoughtful present for relatives of people going through a marital breakup. Like buying someone coupons for Argos.
“Happy Christmas, dear, and here’s 50 quid towards your divorce.”
“But I’m not getting divorced.”
“Well, at least you can think about it. All the family are getting you coupons. We never did like him.”
I can understand couples breaking up because of various reasons – incompatibility, falling out of love, his flatulence, her shoe collection. But lack of money?
Surely, being skint is a right of passage in any marriage? It was in mine.
