A study using data from the United States Census Bureau has found Louisiana to be fourth in the nation for the highest divorce rate.  

Experts say that this high divorce ranking doesn't come out of the blue.  According to a LSU Professor of Psychiatry at LSU (as spoken to wwl.com), Louisiana's high divorce rates may be attributed to the high amount of financial hardship in the state.

In Louisiana, the median household income is just over $45,000 per household; $10,000 lower than the national average.  New Orleans' household income is even worse, clocking in at just over $36,000 per year.  While that household income is even worse, this study finds that, in order to live comfortably in New Orleans on a structured budget, the average family would need just over $60,000 per year.  Suffice it to say, that is a pretty big gap between what families should make in New Orleans and what they actually make.

It's no surprise to most that financial strain can wreak havoc in a relationship.  Divorces are very often the result of financial issues; it's doubtful that anyone would disagree that spouses argue about money and how to spend it all the time.  Combine the regular strains of marriage with the strains of living on a shoestring budget in a city that requires much more than that, and it's no surprise that the result is often less than ideal.

Sometimes financial problems can be solved through good spousal communication and a willingness to work together on the expenses and requirements of your household.  Sometimes, sadly, spouses cannot meet in the middle, or agree on an approach, and a split is the only resolution possible.  This is as true for families that have financial means as it is for families that have little financial means.  Having less financial "wiggle room" simply means that it is a lot harder to ignore a dissonance in spousal attitudes towards finances.  

If you need help in a divorce or family law matter, seek the help of an experienced Louisiana Family Law or Divorce attorney as soon as possible.