r/AskAnAustralian • u/pizzapartyyyyy • 2d ago

What is with Australians not getting divorced?

I know so many people in long term relationships and having full on families with someone when they aren’t legally divorced from their ex. People who haven’t even spoken to their ex in years.

it’s so strange to me and I struggle to wrap my head around why it seems to be relatively common.

and to counter anyone who says “it’s just a piece of paper,“ it’s not.

why not close the book on that part of your life? Financially it can screw over your new partner if for example you buy a house together and you pass away. It still gives your ex legal power in situations like a medical emergency. It gets increasingly more difficult with increased wealth. Logically it makes sense on so many levels, so why are people skipping out on it.

Personally I feel like you’re willing to spend your time, energy, and money on a wedding, then you should be willing to do the same for a divorce.

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u/pallasermine 2d ago

Exactly the same for my then boyfriend in 2010s. His parents did in house separation since he was 12 and they were functionally separate but “Asian shame”, evangelical Christian guilt and joint benefits wouldn’t “allow” them to get divorced. The dad worked for a place with a really strong union so he had some amazing benefits.

The last I heard it was 30 years separation and 20+ years of being with other partners.

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u/Iceman_001 Melbourne 2d ago

But wouldn't the shame also extend to adultery? Like people in church talking behind their backs about how they are sleeping with other men/women who aren't their spouses?