Jackie Combs has been working as a family law and divorce attorney for eight years.
The 37-year-old represents “high net worth individuals and celebrity clients” like model Emily Ratajkowski and hairstylist Chris Appleton. And her client base has been skewing younger, she says: “The vast majority of my clients are Gen Z and millennials at this point.”
The oldest millennials and the oldest Gen Zers turned 44 and 28, respectively, in 2025.
Among the No. 1 reasons Combs sees people get divorced is a lack of communication. “If you can’t communicate, you’re not going to be able to get through the relationship,” she says.
Her new clients may be young, but Gen Z is surprisingly adept at communicating about one key thing: Money.
Having this conversation sets a ‘stronger foundation in any relationship’
“There is much more financial transparency because Gen Z is all about connectivity,” Combs says, adding that they “prioritize transparency.”
A majority, 78% of Gen Zers emphasize financial responsibility when it comes to finding a romantic partner, 70% prioritize financial behaviors and 70% prioritize financial attitudes, according to an April 2025 survey by Bank of America.
“They are talking about money earlier on in their relationship,” Combs says. “Sometimes as early as the third date.”
It’s an attitude Combs supports. The other major reason she sees people get a divorce is a “lack of financial compatibility,” she says.
There is much more financial transparency because Gen Z is all about connectivity.
Jackie Combs
Family attorney
If a couple doesn’t discuss finances early on, it can mean “you’re not aligned on spending habits,” Combs says, or that “you are not aligned on budgeting or saving plans.”
These are critical components of a shared life, and disagreement and lack of openness can cause a lot of stress and tension in a relationship.
Divorce and family law attorney Padideh Jafari recommends asking questions like “What is your credit score? Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? Do you have credit card debt?” even before you get married, she previously told CNBC Make It.
Ultimately, being open about finances “allows for a stronger foundation in any relationship,” Combs says.
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