Survey Finds 42% Men Take Debt To Pay Alimony Post Divorce - Is Marriage Still Worth The Risk?

Divorce in India is proving to be not just an emotional ordeal but also a crushing financial blow. A recent survey by 1 Finance Magazine highlights how men and women in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities are navigating

the heavy costs of separation — from alimony and legal bills to career disruptions and relocation.The Financial Reality of Divorce The study, which surveyed 1,258 participants over six months, revealed that:

• 42% of men had to take loans to cover alimony or legal fees.
• 29% of men paid alimony despite having a negative net worth.
• On average, 38% of men’s annual income went toward maintenance payments.
• 26% of women received settlements exceeding their husband’s entire net worth.

These numbers point to a growing pattern: divorce is leaving men financially drained while women face instability in work and living arrangements.Women Bear a Heavy Burden TooThe survey highlighted how divorce disrupts women’s lives in profound ways:

• 23% of women had to relocate to a new city after separation.
• Among working women, 16% reduced their work intensity, while 30% left their jobs entirely.
• In 43% of marriages, men had borne all financial responsibilities, leaving women vulnerable post-divorce.

Why Couples Split: Money and MoreFinancial stress emerged as one of the biggest reasons for divorce in India’s urban households:

• 67% of couples admitted to fighting about money at least once every 15 days.
• 90% reported at least one financial dispute per month.
• Couples with negative net worth fought most frequently — with 100% of them reporting repeated money-related arguments.

Beyond finances, in-law disputes and compatibility issues were cited as major triggers.

• Over 50% of women pointed to conflicts with in-laws as a cause.
• Men cited financial stress (42%), incompatibility (21%), and infidelity (21%) as reasons behind their split.

The High Cost of DivorceSeparation is not just emotionally taxing but also financially draining:

• 49% of men spent over ₹5 lakh on divorce proceedings.
• 16% of women also spent more than ₹5 lakh on the process.

These expenses included legal fees, interim maintenance, transit costs, and mental health support, in addition to alimony payments.“Divorce Becoming Too Mainstream”Kanan Bahl, founder of 1 Finance Magazine, observed that divorces are now “becoming too mainstream in Tier 1 and Tier 2 India.” He emphasized that beyond emotional challenges, financial strain has emerged as a defining reality for modern divorces.With divorce rates rising and financial stress playing a central role in both breakups and settlements, the survey underscores a pressing need for better financial planning, awareness, and support systems for separating couples in India.