Delaying Divorce Because of Finances May Cost You More in the Long Run
As inflation and rising living costs put pressure on families, more couples are choosing to delay divorce because they believe they can’t afford it. In this KLIF-FM radio interview, Dallas divorce attorney Jennifer Hargrave, managing partner and owner of Hargrave Family Law, explains why postponing divorce for financial reasons can create even greater legal and financial risks over time.
Jennifer discusses the growing trend of couples continuing to live together during separation, the complications this creates for parenting schedules and household boundaries, and the often-overlooked reality that income and assets acquired while still legally married may remain subject to Texas community property laws. She also explains how holiday stress often triggers divorce decisions and why delaying legal action may expose spouses to asset depletion and long-term financial harm.
This interview provides critical insight for anyone in Dallas considering divorce, especially parents and higher-earning spouses weighing whether waiting to file may ultimately cost them more. Let’s take a peek into what delaying divorce may actually look like.
Transcript:
Media Appearance: KLIF-FM Radio
Guest: Jennifer Hargrave, Managing Partner & Owner, Hargrave Family Law (Dallas)
Host:
With the cost of everything on the rise, a growing number of unhappy married couples are continuing to live together because they feel they can’t afford to divorce. To help navigate that—and talk about the pitfalls—we welcome Jennifer Hargrave, managing attorney at Hargrave Family Law in Dallas. Jennifer, this almost sounds like something out of a sitcom from years ago.
Jennifer Hargrave:
It does sound that way, but it’s very real. The economic reality is that divorce often doubles living expenses. You’re taking one household and dividing it into two, which significantly increases costs. Because of that, many couples are trying to think creatively about how they can separate while still providing for their children and maintaining financial stability.
Host:
It may sound practical in theory, but I imagine it’s much harder in real life.
Jennifer Hargrave:
It really is. What I often see is people giving up opportunities without fully understanding the long-term consequences. If you don’t have children, you might be able to live in separate areas of the home and limit interaction. But when children are involved, it becomes far more complicated.
Host:
How does this work when kids are in the picture?
Jennifer Hargrave:
Some families choose what’s often called “nesting,” where the children remain in the home and parents either rotate in and out or cohabitate temporarily. That’s not a new concept, and it can work for a short period of time if the house is large enough and both parents can coexist peacefully. But I don’t recommend it long term. Over time, animosity usually increases, which makes everything more difficult.
Host:
Even when couples are sharing a home during a pending divorce, there are risks?
Jennifer Hargrave:
Absolutely. Long-term cohabitation raises a host of issues that need to be addressed clearly—especially around parenting responsibilities. For example, whose night is it with the kids? If it’s your parenting time and you’re going out, do you need to hire a babysitter even though the other parent is home? Those situations can quickly become awkward and lead to conflict if expectations aren’t clearly defined.
Host:
Those are things that normally just work themselves out in a healthy marriage.
Jennifer Hargrave:
Exactly. In a happy marriage, communication is usually strong enough to resolve those issues. But during a divorce, communication is often strained—that’s typically one of the reasons people are getting divorced in the first place. Without clear agreements, misunderstandings can escalate quickly.
Host:
And all of this during the holidays must make it even more difficult.
Jennifer Hargrave:
The holidays are often a breaking point. Many people decide, “I can’t do this again.” The added stress of family gatherings, travel, and expectations tends to highlight existing problems. That’s why we often see an increase in divorce filings after the holidays.
Host:
We’re speaking with Jennifer Hargrave about the rise of what some are calling the “no-split divorce.” What advice do you have for people who feel stuck living together but still want a divorce?
Jennifer Hargrave:
The key question is whether you truly want to move forward with the divorce. Divorce is a legal separation. If you remain married and continue to live together as roommates, you are still acquiring marital property. Many people mistakenly believe that once they’ve emotionally separated, their income and savings belong solely to them—but legally, that’s not the case.
Host:
So delaying divorce can be financially risky?
Jennifer Hargrave:
Very much so. In Texas, income earned during the marriage is generally considered community property. That includes savings, retirement contributions, and other assets. If one spouse is spending excessively or depleting assets during this period, it can significantly impact the other spouse when the divorce is finalized.
Host:
Is there any protection for couples who delay?
Jennifer Hargrave:
Some couples consider a post-marital agreement, sometimes called a post-nup, to clarify financial responsibilities while delaying divorce. That can help, but I also strongly encourage people to consider whether they’re simply delaying the inevitable—and what the long-term financial and emotional costs of that delay may be.
Host:
Great insight, as always. Thank you, Jennifer.
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