Breaking-up is hard to do for half of financially embroiled Scots

The debt advice and solutions provider’s data showed that one of the most difficult things to resolve following relationship break down is living arrangements, with a quarter of those surveyed still having a rental agreement with their ex and 1 in 4 (23 per cent) sharing a mortgage with them up to a year after breaking-up.

While for the majority of Scots a split means either one or both partners having to find a new place to live, the struggle to separate finances can mean some people (5 per cent) are stuck living under the same roof.

But it’s not just living arrangements that people find hard to resolve after a break-up. Some 15 per cent still have a joint bank account with their ex and 13 per cent have a shared credit card or loan.

As well as joint financial commitments, the survey also showed some 15 per cent of Scots still have joint ownership of property such as furniture and household appliances like fridges and TVs.

Ian Williams, a spokesman for Debt Advisory Centre Scotland, said: “After the break-up of a relationship most people want to have a clean break and move on with their lives. It can be tough to do this if you are still financially linked to your ex.

“The last thing you want is to find that you are solely responsible for paying loans, credit cards or even a mortgage that you committed to together. While it can be difficult, it’s important to agree a plan for separating finances and paying-off debts. Couples should seek the help of a third-party to mediate if things have become acrimonious.”