What are the biggest hurdles to a happy marriage? Most people would reply with such relationship issues as domestic violence, infidelity, alcohol or drug abuse, disagreements about parenting, problems dealing with in-laws, and maybe not making time for one another. But there's no doubt that at or near the top of that list is money problems.

Fighting over finances is bad enough; what's worse, the pressure it puts on couples can also lead to some of those other issues mentioned above, like drug abuse and domestic violence. Today we're taking a look at these complicated matters, how they affect one another, and how couples can stave off arguments and worse by handling money matters in a healthy, productive way.

You Are Not the Only One Struggling

First, know that if you are afraid to bring up the issue of money in your marriage or if you worry that arguments about money will take a significant toll on your relationship, you are not alone! Sometimes it can feel like you're the only one struggling with such difficulties, but take a look at these statistics:

● 44% of couples argue about money at least occasionally

● One in five pairs say that money is their biggest issue

● Nearly one-third of US adults say that they've committed “financial infidelity” by lying about their money to their partner

● Money problems are among the leading causes of divorce.

Others Have Overcome Troubled Finances (and Rocky Relationships)

Even the happiest couples argue sometimes, and it's often about money. Here's the kicker: having more money doesn't automatically lead to fewer fights or a closer marriage. What will? Communicating openly, realizing you're on the same team, and working together to tackle your money troubles.

What's clear from the many studies cited above about money and relationships is that just about any relationship can benefit from talking openly with your partner about financial decisions like whether or not to pool your money, when and how to spend money, and how to split up other responsibilities like household chores when one partner makes more money than the other.

We Can Help If Things Get Out of Hand

The causes of serious relationship strife—such as domestic abuse, whether that is physical violence, emotional or verbal abuse, or financial abuse—are complicated, and of course, there's rarely a direct link establishing a clear-cut cause-and-effect when it comes to money problems and intimate partner violence.

If your financial concerns have spilled over into violence, there's help for that too. Remember that this is a significant source of stress even on the individual level; money isn't easy to discuss, especially when you don't have enough of it to make ends meet. Should your stress get the best of you and lead to a violent incident (or an accusation, however unfounded, thereof), trust attorney Joseph D. Lento and his team at the Lento Law Firm.

Attorney Lento has worked with many clients who were once in difficult situations similar to yours, and he has helped them get back on track. The Lento Law Firm can help you and your partner get back to a loving partnership and sound financial health, too—look at this as an opportunity to turn things around. Call us at 888-535-3686 or click here to send us a message.