Polly Atkins and Henry Hood explore how ‘quiet divorcing’ can cause issues further down the line in The Times

Rather than formally separating, partners gradually drift apart and become more like cohabitees. This is known as a “quiet divorce”.  Although it may seem simple, this informal arrangement can create emotional ambiguity for both adults and children, who may sense tensions long before they are addressed.

 

Not only this, it can carry significant legal risks. Without a clear separation date, disputes can arise over when the marriage effectively ended; an issue that can materially affect how assets are divided or whether a spouse retains legal advantages. 

 

Ultimately, while it may feel peaceful in the short term, it often trades clarity and security for unresolved ambiguity.