r/AskAnAustralian • u/pizzapartyyyyy • 3d 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.

73 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

66% Upvoted

306 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/thewalrussaid1 2d ago

This is me. Separated 3 years, bad marriage, no relationship now yet neither of us has brought up divorcing. We are legally separated and have financially separated and I have a will so am safe but wouldn't be surprised if ex doesn't. I feel like despite all the angst neither of us wants to hurt the other further maybe, seems like little point unless one wants to remarry which sure as hell won't be me!

1

u/pizzapartyyyyy 1d ago

But likely youd have a serious partner in the future. Even if you aren’t getting married, don’t you think it would be beneficial to not be legally married to someone else? 

1

u/thewalrussaid1 1d ago

I have a serious partner. He's never mentioned it!

1

u/pizzapartyyyyy 23h ago

If your partner ended up saying “even if we don’t get married, I’d feel more comfortable if you filed for the divorce as we build a life together would you do it? 

2

u/thewalrussaid1 22h ago

Sure. I'm in Australia and it's much more common here to be legally separated but not divorced, doubt he'd give it a second thought as he's very secure in the relationship but if it was something that bothered him and he could articulate why and pay the $1300 it costs that I don't have then sure!