While infidelity is an age-old problem when it comes to lasting marriages and relationships; the growth of dual income households and joint bank accounts have given the opportunity for financial infidelities to prove fatal to relationships as well.

While most understand that lying is detrimental to a relationship, studies over the past decade show both parties in relationships have trouble coming clean over spending. Financial infidelity does not consist solely of unaccounted for spending; it also consists of hidden debt.

Investopedia, an online financial information source owned by Forbes Digital, defines financial infidelity as a situation in which "couples with combined finances lie to each other about money." The lies may consist of hiding a $50 purchase or a $50,000 bonus. According to Psychologist Barry McCarthy of the Washington Psychological Center, "Men and women differ in the nature of their infidelity. Men tend to hide income, while women tend to hide excess spending."

Whatever the case, if financial infidelity occurs, emotional tolls are sure to follow. A 2008 study by GMAC concluded that one-third of the 2,800 couples surveyed admitted to hiding at least one purchase from their partner. Hiding finances from one another can lead to a snowball effect, requiring couple's therapy or financial help from specialists. It can even lead to divorce.

The Motley Fool recently reported the top four lies couples produce about money. The top four lies are as follows:

 1. How much is actually spent

2. Omitting past money mistakes, such as bankruptcy

3. How much money is actually owed, the actual amount of debt

4. Secret stash of cash - approximately one-third of married couples keep a secret supply of cash for individual purchases

The impacts of these lies can vary from hurt feelings to problems getting home loans.

A study conducted by Utah State University released in 2009 found couples who reported disagreeing about finances once a week were over 30 percent more likely to get divorced than those who argued only a few times a month.

If the issue becomes too large to battle, and a divorce seems to be the only option, it is important to obtain an attorney that you feel will meet your needs.

The North Carolina law firm of Gailor Wallis and Hunt is dedicated to helping men and women work through the divorce process and hold experience in all aspects of divorce and family law, including asset distribution, settlement agreements, post-separation support and child support.

Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, the family law firm of Gailor, Wallis & Hunt has a combined 80 years of experience in all aspects of divorce. For more information visit their website at www.gailorwallishunt.com.