Harsh Economic Climate Delays Divorce in Spain

The New York Times has reported that the divorce rate in Spain is 17 percent lower than it was in 2006, when changes to the law simplified divorce proceedings. The Spanish Judicial Council attributes this decrease in divorce to Spain's protracted economic crisis. Some couples are now forced to stay in troubled relationships longer as they cannot afford an expensive divorce, which often involves the complicated process of selling their home in a depressed market and finding new, separate living situations. Additionally, if the house is not paid off, couples must consider who will assume responsibility for the house and the huge debts attached to it.