California couples might be more likely to get a divorce if they start their marriage with traditional gender roles and then the wife begins making more money compared to those who begin from a position of equality. Some men may resent no longer being the breadwinner. Others may cut back on their work hours with the assumption that they no longer need to earn as much. Both of these situations can put a strain on the marriage.
People may be able to reduce the likelihood of a divorce by making an effort to start the marriage on an equal footing. Agreeing that they will always operate from a position of equality may be a better solution than trying to make specific rules about work and finances. The reason for this is that it can be difficult for couples to anticipate what career opportunities may come their way or what the strain of financial difficulties, having children, or caring for elderly parents can have on their marriage.
Communication is also important. Both people need to communicate clearly about their work schedules outside the home and what tasks need to be done in the home itself. Too often, women in particular may become resentful about shouldering the bulk of the household duties but may not effectively communicate what needs to be done.
In some cases, couples may still simply be unable to resolve their differences. If this happens, they may agree to divorce. This can raise additional issues as they must divide property and make a decision about child custody and visitation. If one person earns significantly more than the other, that person might be required to pay alimony as well. Marital property in California is supposed to be divided equally, but a couple may have some flexibility about who gets which assets.