WKRN, Nashville, Tennessee News, Weather, and Sports |Large turnout expected at marriage seminar

Large turnout expected at marriage seminar

The tough economy is having an affect on marriages.

FamilyLife, a national organization that puts on marriage seminars, reports a record numbers of couples attending their conferences. 

The organization will hold a seminar in Middle Tennessee later this month.

Bill Howard with FamilyLife said marriage is already tough, but with more couples struggling in the current economy, a happy marriage can seem impossible.

"When you get into a crisis you either turn toward one another or against each other," Howard told News 2.

He said interestingly, some states report fewer divorce filings but it's not because couples are happier, they simply can't afford to split.  Whether it's the house they can't sell or the lawyer fees, couples are staying together.

In Davidson County, 426 couples filed for divorce in the first two months of last year.

That number is down somewhat this year at 392.

"I've never met a person who's got a divorce and said you know it's the best financial decision of my life," said Howard.  "Around the country we're seeing that although the economy is bad, we're seeing an influx of people wanting to come and get some encouragement."

With some help and guidance, he believes being forced to cohabitate may buy some time and save a few marriages.

FamilyLife's marriage seminar will be held at the Cool Springs Marriott March 27 through March 29.

They are offering couples who have experienced a job loss in the past six months free registration. 

To get discounted admission, click here or call 1-800-FL-TODAY.