Marriages in Ohio are as susceptible to divorce as those in any other state. But because of the state's status as one of the hardest hit by the recession, many couples may actually feel discouraged from splitting. Some believe that because divorce can be expensive, it is unwise to file for it when it seems to be unaffordable. Yet some experts suggest otherwise; stating that filing for divorce during a time of low worth may be better off in the long run.

Remember, property division occurs with a divorce. This means that assets and wealth are divided between the two former spouses according to a divorce settlement. As long as it only concerns the current value of an individual, the settlement may end more favorably while economic times are tough.

For some, hard financial times may mean temporarily depressed assets such as the values tied to homes, retirement plans and investments. That being said, it may be better for couples contemplating divorce, not to postpone the separation until a later date when the value of their assets has risen. If couples wait and their net worth does rebound to a previous level, marriage dissolution will likely cost more.

By filing for divorce while assets are depressed, hours are cut at work and incomes are docked, child support and alimony payments may also be lower.

Some would argue that the expenses of a physical separation and attorney fees coupled with spousal maintenance and/or child support payments are too much of a burden to bear. Though this may be the case for some, it is not that way for all spouses even with the effects of the economy accounted for.

Source: Huffington Post, "Divorce May Be a 'Discretionary Purchase'," Joseph E. Cordell, Dec. 26, 2011