Couples Too Broke to Break Up – Divorce Expert Warns of Hidden Separation Crisis Amid Cost of Living Squeeze

UK couples are staying trapped in broken relationships because they can't afford to divorce, according to new insights from Divorce-Online, the UK's leading online divorce service.

SWINDON, U.K. - April 16, 2025 - PRLog -- Rising mortgage rates, unaffordable rents, tax increases, and energy costs are forcing thousands of separated couples to remain under the same roof – creating what experts are calling a "silent divorce crisis."

The number of divorces filed has decreased by 50% since 2022 and divorce expert Mark Keenan puts that down to mortgage rates, absurd rent costs and the general cost of living crisis.

"We're seeing couples stuck in legal and emotional limbo," says Mark Keenan, founder of Divorce-Online.

"They've emotionally separated. They want to move on. But financially, they're trapped – sharing a kitchen while they sort out spreadsheets, living like flatmates with a joint mortgage."

Divorce-Online, which handles thousands of cases each year, has seen a marked increase in clients who:

- File for divorce but can't split their finances
- Remain living together after separation
- Say they can't afford to rent or buy alone
- Co-parent under the same roof, in separate rooms

One client shared:
"We split after Christmas 2022. We both want to move on, but the mortgage's fixed rate ended and now neither of us can afford the house or to rent separately. We haven't shared a bed in over 3 years– and we barely speak."

Mark Keenan adds:

"This isn't about people being indecisive. It's about people being priced out of separation. If we don't talk about it, we'll see more anxiety, more conflict – and more people stuck in homes that no longer feel safe or fair."

Mark Keenan is calling on the Government  and mortgage lenders to consider more flexible financing for separating couples, and to recognise that the housing and cost of living crisis is now becoming a relationship and societal crisis.

About Divorce-Online:
Founded in 1999, Divorce-Online is the UK's original online divorce provider. It has helped over 200,000 people divorce affordably with fixed-fee services including divorce applications, financial consent orders, and online wills. The business handles around 3% of all divorces filed in England and Wales.

Media Contact:
Mark Keenan
Founder & CEO, Divorce-Online
mark.keenan@divorce-online.co.uk
01793 384 029
www.divorce-online.co.uk