Marriage ends with long bills! Over 40% men take loans to pay for alimony; check new survey findings

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 burdenDivorced 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 men42% 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 divorceThe 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 divorceMore 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.