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Recession Puts Brakes on Divorces

Would-be exes stay under one roof to avoid real estate losses

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 13, 2009 12:04 PM CDT

(Newser) – A lot of unhappy couples are staying together—or at least staying under one roof—thanks to the recession, the Wall Street Journal reports. Many would-be exes are putting off breakups, unwilling to sell their houses in a down market or unable to afford new ones. Some even continue to live under the same roof after their divorces.

Comprehensive divorce data are hard to come by, but court records suggest filings have fallen since 2007; in New York, they’re down 14%. “People are saying, ‘I’ve put up with it for the last 10 years, I can put up with it for another year,” said one lawyer. One divorcée says living with her ex has been downright pleasant: “We’re a lot kinder to each other.”

Many would-be divorcees are stuck in their marriages. (Shutterstock)

Breaking off a marriage is an expensive proposition. (Shutterstock)

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Recession Puts Brakes on Divorces

Would-be exes stay under one roof to avoid real estate losses

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More Newser Stories

Man, 99, Divorces Wife Over 70-Year-Old Affair

He found letters she wrote to her 1940s lover

Whoops: Court Papers Show Newt Filed 1st Divorce

Gingrich said Jackie wasn't 'young enough': old friend

Before Divorce, Try ... Splitting Up

Lots of marriage counselors think six months can do the trick

Home Prices Up .7%, 1st Rise in 8 Months

Washington DC, San Fran, Atlanta see biggest gains

Housing Prices Hit New Recession Low

And there's no bottom in sight

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Recession Puts Brakes on Divorces

Would-be exes stay under one roof to avoid real estate losses

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

divorce • real estate • parenting • marriage • recession • home prices • real estate values • separation

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Man, 99, Divorces Wife Over 70-Year-Old Affair

He found letters she wrote to her 1940s lover

Whoops: Court Papers Show Newt Filed 1st Divorce

Gingrich said Jackie wasn't 'young enough': old friend

Before Divorce, Try ... Splitting Up

Lots of marriage counselors think six months can do the trick

Home Prices Up .7%, 1st Rise in 8 Months

Washington DC, San Fran, Atlanta see biggest gains

Housing Prices Hit New Recession Low

And there's no bottom in sight

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?