I'm a divorce expert, and here's the one thing you need to do before you get married

money and finances causes more problems in relationships than anything else. (Image: Getty)

New legislation came into effect in 2022 which allows couples to end their marriage jointly and means they no longer need to place blame on either party.

But while the legal process is simpler, deciding to divorce remains as agonising as ever.

Mr Brien continued: “Disagreements over money early on, such as one person making extravagant purchases while the other preferring to save for a rainy day, can start small in the early days.

“But over time it can become bigger and bigger, especially with more households feeling the pinch. It’s then we see things like overspending, debt and secrecy surrounding money.

“It’s not romantic but I do think all couples should talk about money in the early stages of a relationship to make sure they are on the same page.

James Brien, founder of Easy Online Divorce and an author on amicable splits, says money and finances causes more problems in relationships than anything else.

It’s for this reason he believes all partners should talk about, and agree on, their approach to money before they walk down the aisle.

Mr Brien said: “I would say almost half of couples who divorce do so over money, whether it’s different ideas or attitudes about finances, or pressures due to the cost of living.

“The way we think and feel about money is shaped by a complex interplay of factors such as our upbringing, our past experiences, cultural influences and personal beliefs.

“When we enter into a relationship it can be uncomfortable - and feel somewhat unromantic - to discuss these ideas. But if we ignore it there is the potential it can become a big problem down the line.”

“Failing to do so can mean bigger problems and more heartache down the line.”

The latest figures available from the Office for National Statistics show there were 80,057 divorces granted in England and Wales in 2022.

On average, couples who split in 2022 did so after 12.9 years of marriage.

Mr Brien penned ‘The Real Man’s Guide to Divorce’ and ‘The Mindful Divorce: How to Heal and Be Happy After Separation’ after his own split.

He also founded Easy Online Divorce, which aims to reduce the financial and emotional impact on families by helping couples spend less on their legal fees.