Divorces are not just the end of a marriage , but also the beginning of a storm. Beyond the annulment lawyer’s office lies an ocean of emotions, with equal amounts of gloom and anger.
Adding to the misery comes a financial slap for both ex-spouses. While men scramble to arrange alimony , women often face upheaval, relocating and adjusting to a new life.
While the emotional impact goes unmeasured, a recent study by 1 Finance Magazine highlights the serious financial impact of divorce in India, an issue often overlooked.
Founder Kanan Bahl told ET that nearly 42% of men took loans for divorce proceedings or alimony. The study surveyed 1,258 people over six months to understand how divorce affects finances in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.
Women bear a heavy burden
Divorced women often face disruptions to their careers and living arrangements. 23% of women had to relocate to a new city. Among working women, 16% reduced their work intensity, while 30% left their jobs entirely.
In 43% of marriages, men had borne all financial responsibilities.
Financial pressure on men
42% took loans to cover alimony or legal costs while 29% paid alimony despite having a negative net worth. 26% of women received more than their husband’s entire net worth as alimony.
On average, 38% of a man’s annual income went to maintenance payments.
Why do couples choose to split?
Financial stress is a leading cause of conflict. 67% of couples argued about money at least once every 15 days. 90% reported at least one monthly dispute over finances. Couples with negative net worth fought most often, with 100% reporting financial arguments, ET cited the survey.
The high cost of divorce
The split comes not just with a heavy heart but also heavy costs. 16% of women reported spending over Rs 5 lakh on proceedings while 49% of men spent over Rs 5 lakh. These costs include legal fees, transit, interim maintenance, and mental health support, excluding alimony.
Reasons behind divorce
More than half of the women cited in-laws disputes while 43% cited financial issues as primary causes behind the divorce. Men pointed to financial problems (42%), incompatibility (21%), and infidelity (21%).
Kanan Bahl noted, “Divorces are becoming too mainstream in Tier 1 and Tier 2 India,” underlining that beyond emotional challenges, financial strain is a major reality for many couples.
Adding to the misery comes a financial slap for both ex-spouses. While men scramble to arrange alimony , women often face upheaval, relocating and adjusting to a new life.
While the emotional impact goes unmeasured, a recent study by 1 Finance Magazine highlights the serious financial impact of divorce in India, an issue often overlooked.
Founder Kanan Bahl told ET that nearly 42% of men took loans for divorce proceedings or alimony. The study surveyed 1,258 people over six months to understand how divorce affects finances in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.
Women bear a heavy burden
Divorced women often face disruptions to their careers and living arrangements. 23% of women had to relocate to a new city. Among working women, 16% reduced their work intensity, while 30% left their jobs entirely.
In 43% of marriages, men had borne all financial responsibilities.
Financial pressure on men
42% took loans to cover alimony or legal costs while 29% paid alimony despite having a negative net worth. 26% of women received more than their husband’s entire net worth as alimony.
On average, 38% of a man’s annual income went to maintenance payments.
Why do couples choose to split?
Financial stress is a leading cause of conflict. 67% of couples argued about money at least once every 15 days. 90% reported at least one monthly dispute over finances. Couples with negative net worth fought most often, with 100% reporting financial arguments, ET cited the survey.
The high cost of divorce
The split comes not just with a heavy heart but also heavy costs. 16% of women reported spending over Rs 5 lakh on proceedings while 49% of men spent over Rs 5 lakh. These costs include legal fees, transit, interim maintenance, and mental health support, excluding alimony.
Reasons behind divorce
More than half of the women cited in-laws disputes while 43% cited financial issues as primary causes behind the divorce. Men pointed to financial problems (42%), incompatibility (21%), and infidelity (21%).
Kanan Bahl noted, “Divorces are becoming too mainstream in Tier 1 and Tier 2 India,” underlining that beyond emotional challenges, financial strain is a major reality for many couples.
You may also like
UAE officially announces Ramadan 2026: Moon sighting confirms start on February 19
Bihar Cabinet hikes DA from 55 to 58 per cent for its employees, pensioners
Over 18 lakh health camps screened 10 crore citizens under Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan: Govt
National Council on the Humanities reshuffled: White House fires majority of members; only Trump appointees remain on board
Indian institutes may see less US offers, new bill targets H-1B exemptions for academia
