Why are couples waiting longer to divorce and what are the potential issues?

Written by Verity Eunson-Hickey

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that, in 2025, the average length of a marriage ending in divorce was 13 years. This is the longest average duration recorded since 1963 and significantly higher than the figure for 1985, when marriages ending in divorce lasted an average of 8.9 years.

So, why are couples waiting longer before ending their marriages? And, while there may be good reasons for delaying divorce, are there potential financial, practical and emotional consequences to consider?

Economic and practical reasons for delaying divorce

Financial pressures and practical considerations can all play a part in the decision to postpone divorce.

For many couples, the rising cost of living and housing means that maintaining two separate households simply isn’t financially viable. Dividing assets, finding somewhere new to live and meeting the ongoing costs of running two homes can represent a significant reduction in household income and lifestyle for both parties.

There may also be a reluctance to accept the wider changes that divorce can bring. Separating may mean moving home or even relocating to another area, adjusting to co-parenting, losing day-to-day contact with extended family and friends, along with making significant changes to established routines.

For some couples, there may also be a financial event on the horizon that makes delaying divorce seem more manageable. This could include an anticipated inheritance, a pension becoming available or another change in financial circumstances that may make it easier to establish separate households.

Emotional reasons for delaying divorce

Financial considerations aren’t the only reason couples may choose to remain together. There can be powerful emotional and family considerations too.

These can include:

• A greater willingness to work on the relationship. Couples can be more prepared to explore counselling, couples therapy, mediation or other forms of support before deciding that their marriage has come to an end.
• More realistic expectations of marriage. With more people marrying later in life and many couples living together before marriage, there may be a greater understanding that relationships inevitably go through difficult periods. Some couples may therefore choose to wait to see whether circumstances improve or until their children have left home.
• The reassurance of No Fault Divorce. Since the introduction of No Fault Divorce, couples no longer must establish or allege that one spouse is responsible for the breakdown of the marriage. Knowing that divorce remains an option may, paradoxically, make some couples less likely to rush into a decision to leave and more willing to see whether their relationship can be repaired.
• A desire to minimise disruption. Wider economic, political and environmental uncertainty can make people reluctant to introduce further upheaval into family life. Parents may worry about the impact of separation on their children and prefer to maintain stability for as long as possible.

The impact of delaying divorce & the ‘quietly quitting’ trend

One consequence of delaying divorce has been the increase in ‘quietly quitting’ a marriage. This is where both spouses recognise that their relationship has effectively ended but continue living together, often for financial or family reasons.

They may have separate bedrooms, spend little or no time alone together and lead largely independent lives, while continuing to share a home, finances, family commitments, pets and social circles.

For some couples, this arrangement can work surprisingly well, particularly where there is mutual respect and a shared understanding of the situation. It can provide financial stability and avoid the immediate disruption of establishing two separate households.

However, it can become much more complicated where there is ongoing conflict or resentment. Tensions can build when two people no longer regard themselves as a couple but remain under the same roof. It can also become particularly difficult if one spouse begins a new relationship.

There can also be implications for children, who may find it difficult to understand the nature of their parents’ relationship or feel caught between them.

What are the potential legal issues of delaying divorce?

While there may be many compelling reasons for remaining married, couples should also consider the potential legal and financial implications of delaying a divorce.

The length of a marriage is one of the factors the courts take into account when considering financial arrangements following divorce. When divorce is delayed, a marriage that was initially relatively short may, over time, become a medium- or long-duration marriage, potentially affecting how the court approaches the overall financial picture.

What’s more, as a marriage becomes longer, there is generally more opportunity for financial lives to become intertwined. Couples may accumulate greater pension provision, savings and investments, acquire property and build up equity in property.

Establishing each person’s financial position and determining how those assets should be divided can therefore become more complex.

The court also considers the contributions made by each spouse. These are not limited to financial contributions and caring for children, running the home and supporting the family, can all be relevant when determining a fair financial settlement.

The position can be particularly complicated where significant assets are acquired or circumstances change during the period between ‘separation’ and divorce.

Inheritance is another area that requires careful consideration. An inheritance received during a marriage will not automatically be treated as a matrimonial asset, but its treatment can depend on factors including how it has been used, whether it has become mixed with matrimonial finances and the financial needs of both spouses.

Getting advice before making a decision

There is no single point at which a couple ‘should’ divorce. For some, delaying divorce may give them time to work through difficulties, make sensible financial arrangements or protect their children from unnecessary disruption. For others, remaining married for financial or practical reasons may simply postpone difficult decisions and potentially make the eventual separation more complicated.

If you are considering divorce but are unsure whether now is the right time, taking early legal advice can help you understand the potential financial and practical consequences of your options. It does not necessarily mean starting divorce proceedings, but it can give you a clearer picture of where you stand and help you make informed decisions about what happens next.

If you are struggling with issues arising from separation and divorce, as mentioned above we offer a no obligation initial consultation for a fixed fee of £150 (incl. VAT), for up to one hour. At this meeting, we can advise you on all the issues relating to your personal circumstances, allowing you to make informed decisions moving forward.

To book an appointment please call 01444 472700, email us at info@tisshawssolicitors.co.uk or complete the form below.