My parents separated over 25 years ago. They fell into a long term separation.
My father is an alcoholic and he knew a divorce would cost him some money in legal fees and maintenance. He threatened my mother before and he wasn't a nice man at home. My mother never divorced because she was afraid of him. When he was gone from the home, she was happy with the peace. They fell into a long term separation.
All these years later. He's made an absolute mess of everything and his life. He's an alcoholic and a heavy smoker. He's lost everything and he is in a lot of debt.
Unfortunately my mother and the family home is interlinked with all this now because they never divorced.
She tried for a divorce a few years ago but then she got cold feet because her solicitor advised her that a judge make a court order for the selling of the family home. She pulled out from the divorce but it does leave her in a vulnerable position now against his debts.
There are some negotiations going on now and it is hoped she will continue with the divorce soon once the housing negotiations are sorted.
I am reading about divorces. It's mad how they are long term separated and there's a possibility where she will have to make adequate provisions for his housing. My father had a long term relationship in all those years and that failed and he's gone onto relationship number 2 now. Also the man is irresponsible. He's an alcoholic. It's mad how my mother might have to make provisions for his housing.