05 Feb Too broke to break up: When separated parents are forced to live under one roof
After holidays, relationship pressure can rise — and for some families, separation doesn’t mean moving out.
New insights show more parents are staying under the same roof after a breakup, not by choice, but because housing and cost-of-living pressures leave few alternatives.
When separation doesn’t mean moving out
More Australian families are navigating an unexpected reality: separating as a couple, but continuing to live together as parents. According to a recent rapid review by Relationships Australia NSW, housing costs and financial strain are making it increasingly difficult for parents to establish two households after a breakup.
Practitioners are seeing a rise in couples who have ended their relationship but remain in the same home because they simply can’t afford to live apart. For many, it’s a practical decision made with children in mind — an attempt to maintain stability while working out what comes next.
Why families are staying under one roof
In a snapshot of 19 practitioner case studies, more than half of separated couples said cost was the main reason they continued living together. Some parents felt this reduced disruption for their children, at least in the short term.
But for most families, sharing a home after separation came with real challenges:
- ongoing tension and emotional strain
- blurred boundaries between former partners
- uncertainty around parenting roles and routines
A small number of parents also reported receiving legal advice not to leave the family home — even when conflict remained high — adding another layer of complexity to an already stressful situation.
The emotional toll on parents and children
While many families showed resilience, the review highlights how difficult it can be to live in limbo — particularly when parents lack support to manage communication, boundaries and co-parenting in a shared space.
“We’re hearing more stories of couples who’ve separated but simply can’t afford to maintain two households,” said Elisabeth Shaw, CEO of Relationships Australia NSW. “For some, it’s a temporary compromise. For others, it becomes a long-term necessity that brings real emotional challenges — particularly for children.”
Why this matters for parents right now
This emerging pattern reflects broader pressures facing families, including housing insecurity and the rising cost of living. By bringing these experiences into focus, Relationships Australia NSW hopes to build understanding of a growing reality — and highlight the need for practical, emotional and co-parenting support for families navigating separation.
For parents in this situation, knowing you’re not alone — and that help exists — can be an important first step.
