9 Money Problems That Justify Divorce (Even Financial Experts Agree)

Money may not buy happiness, but it can certainly contribute to stress, particularly in marriage. While no couple is immune to financial disagreements, specific financial mistakes can have major consequences that extend far beyond occasional overspending.

What happens when you suddenly realize that the person you've spent decades with is hiding massive debt, draining your retirement savings, and refusing to do anything about it?

This is a serious breach of trust and can be so damaging that anyone might agree you're justified in asking for a divorce. Read on to learn more about nine red flags that signal it might be time to go your separate ways.

Financial fallout from addictive habits can be long-lasting and devastating. These vices can spiral out of control quickly and last for decades. Beyond the financial strain, they also carry a heavy emotional toll.

Some early warning signs of addiction include changes in personality and neglecting responsibilities. Ask yourself if an intervention is necessary before things reach a point beyond repair.

Financial disagreements are a common thread when you see someone file for divorce and cite irreconcilable differences. Sure, not everyone will have the exact same spending and saving habits, but if these habits are at opposite ends of the spectrum, it can create some real tension.

If you find that your partner continually spends beyond the budget while you want to prepare financially for retirement, start a thoughtful conversation to realign. Continuing to push it off is only asking for the divorce papers to be ready.

Couples looking forward to retirement need to set money aside for decades' worth of expenses not covered by a monthly income. Fidelity estimates that, at age 65, retired couples need to set aside approximately $330,000 in assets to cover future health care expenses.

Failing to plan for these rising costs may lead to financial disputes, which can raise stress levels even more than any health care issues.

Financial control occurs when one person restricts another's access to economic resources (like bank accounts) or overextends their influence over someone else's financial habits (like sending notifications every time the other person uses their credit card) to maintain power.

Keep in mind that many couples have a designated financier, and they might regularly check bank accounts simply because they're responsible for paying bills. Where this behavior crosses the line, though, is if you feel like you could never ask to see the account.

Financial infidelity occurs when one spouse intentionally misrepresents their financial situation to the other. Whether it's saying a house payment was made when it wasn't or withholding money from a paycheck for personal spending, hiding money makes it difficult to regain trust in a marriage.

Pay close attention to your bank statements, evaluate your monthly or weekly budgets, and observe your overall spending habits. These provide evidence to support any difficult conversations you need to have.

Perhaps you got a promotion at work, or maybe you just got your year-end bonus. These are moments to celebrate, but just because you have a little more doesn't mean you need to spend more.

Accumulating debt from poor lifestyle choices can quickly drain your disposable income and even erode any savings you have. If your partner doesn't want to live within your means, this is another sign it might be time to move on.

What happens when your finances are spread too thin and a significant expense suddenly comes up? An unexpected medical bill or sudden home repair is never fun, and it can become even more stressful if you don't have an emergency fund to help cover the costs.

The average emergency fund covers three to six months of expenses. Ask your partner where you currently stand, and work on a plan to build your fund if it's lower than expected.

People hide serious debt problems for several reasons, ranging from fear of judgment and avoiding conflict to simply shame. Excessive debt is not something you want your partner to be hiding before you get married, because it will become your debt once you're married.

If your partner is unwilling to discuss debt, there may be larger psychological issues to uncover. Talking productively about the problem, as with many conflicts, is the first step.

Another red flag is if a spouse refuses to contribute financially to the family. This situation could leave the other partner overworked, fatigued, and stressed, unable to enjoy quality time with the family.

It's important to note that not every couple needs both partners to contribute financially in the traditional sense. One partner might stay at home and take care of the children, meaning their contribution covers the cost of childcare.

You're not alone if you feel stressed about finances with your spouse. Nearly 25% of couples cite money as their greatest relationship challenge, according to a Fidelity Investments survey.

If you're experiencing any of these money difficulties, put a plan into action to try and eliminate some money stress. And if you find that the two of you can get aligned on your financial habits, it might be time to consider consulting a divorce attorney.