Why More UK Couples Are Too Broke to Divorce – A Cost of Living Crisis

Commentary by Mark Keenan, Founder of Divorce-Online

In recent months, we’ve seen a rising number of couples who are no longer in a relationship but are still living under the same roof. Not because they want to—but because they have no financial choice.

At Divorce-Online, we work with thousands of people each year going through separation. Increasingly, we’re hearing a consistent message: “We’ve split—but we can’t afford to move on.”

High mortgage repayments, unaffordable private rents, frozen wages, and day-to-day cost pressures are locking separated couples into shared homes—well after the relationship has ended.

Living Apart, Together

It’s a scenario I’ve come to call the “flatmate divorce.” Two people share a house, bills, and sometimes even childcare, while living emotionally separate lives—often sleeping in separate rooms and communicating only when necessary.

We’ve spoken to clients who’ve been in this situation for months—some, over a year. Their stories are marked by quiet frustration, emotional exhaustion, and a sense of helplessness. They want clarity. They want a clean break. But financially, they’re stuck.

One parent told us:

“We separated amicably over a year ago, but the fixed-term mortgage ended and now neither of us can afford to refinance or rent solo. We’re doing our best to co-parent and stay civil, but it’s not sustainable.”

This Isn’t Indecision. It’s Insecurity.

Let’s be clear—these people aren’t unsure about their relationship status. They’ve separated emotionally and often legally. What they haven’t been able to do is separate financially.

It’s not that they’re delaying divorce—it’s that the practical costs of doing so, including legal fees, housing deposits, and new living arrangements, feel out of reach.

We Need to Rethink How We Support Separating Families

The current system assumes that once people decide to split, they have the means to follow through. But that’s not the reality we’re seeing.

Without more affordable options, people stay stuck—in tension-filled homes, surrounded by unresolved emotions. That affects their mental health, their children, and their ability to rebuild their lives.

That’s why we’re calling for greater access to fixed-fee legal support and more public awareness of low-cost divorce solutions. Services like ours exist to give people the tools to move on without breaking the bank.

About Divorce-Online

Divorce-Online has been helping people separate with confidence since 1999. We’ve assisted over 200,000 clients through our online services, including:

• Low-cost divorce applications
• Fixed-fee financial consent orders
• Support for co-parenting and financial clean breaks

If you’re ready to take a step forward—even in difficult circumstances—we’re here to help you do it affordably, fairly, and with dignity.

Learn more about our fixed-fee divorce services.

Mark Keenan
Founder & CEO, Divorce-Online

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Editor’s note: A version of this topic was covered by National World. Read the article here.