Your spouse can make or break THE REST OF YOUR LIFE talaga. It's easier when there are no kids involved, but once you have kids, you will be forever tied to that person.
2 of my Kuyas both hiwalay. One is on his SECOND annulment. My other cousin would also be annulled right now if he gave in to my Lola's pressure of leaving his wife.
I also have relatives who are in sham marriages. They are staying together for the reason you stated - because of the legal and financial complications and to save face (more common in older generations). It's so funny because when you see their posts on FB, you would think they are the perfect family, but I know what happened before those photos were taken (lots of drama)
My parents naman, I think they love me more than they love each other. LOL! But in the bible I know it says na your spouse should be above your children.