Sometimes a couple decides that a long separation is financially prudent and easier emotionally.  For some, it becomes a way of life.  Some couples live apart in separate homes and some continue to live together—in order to avoid an ugly divorce and maintain the status quo.  The financial collapse has encouraged people not to rush into divorce.

Warren Buffet, the wealthy chairman of Berkshire Hathaway,  remained married to his wife, Susan, after separating from her in 1977  until her death in 2004. Meanwhile,  he lived with Astrid Menks and married her in 2006.