Yet it is most often women who are left disadvantaged by the ensuing settlements and legal determinations.
For those already navigating financial abuse and coercion, ending a marriage can add another element of control for the perpetrator.
Many cannot afford to separate, leading them to stay in potentially abusive and dangerous relationships.
For Rachel, who has asked not to be fully identified, the relationship with her abusive ex tended to be at its worst during the holiday periods.
"Looking back now, everything he did was very calculated to make sure if I left him it would be very difficult for me," she told AAP.
"He said he would spend millions making sure I would get nothing and he has."
With two toddlers under three years old, no savings and no way to fund legal representation, Rachel faced an uphill battle to secure a fair settlement from her wealthy former partner.
She was advised to contact JustFund, an organisation that provides a flexible line of credit based on a person's expected family settlement rather than their income, credit score or employment status.
Since 2022, it has helped thousands of people access over $250 million in legal support, leading to $2 billion in settlements.
Nearly three-quarters of JustFund clients are women, most are the main caregiver for their kids and many have experienced financial abuse.
Divorce season in Australia typically occurs in January and February when there is the biggest annual surge in separation enquiries and divorce filings.
Built up pressure and financial strain over the Christmas and New Year period often adds to the existing relationship problems.
A survey by JustFund of more than 1000 couples found the cost-of-living crisis is driving a spike in relationship breakdowns heading into the end of 2025, expected to result in a busy 'divorce season'.
The survey aimed to understand financial distress currently being experienced by couples who need legal representation for a separation or divorce but cannot afford the high up-front costs.
"The survey indicates that relationship conflict is no longer resulting just from major financial decisions like home mortgages," co-founder Jack O'Donnell said.
"Day-to-day living expenses are also putting pressure on Australian relationships including household essentials."
After a three year process, Rachel still has upcoming court hearings to finalise her divorce settlement.
"Until you go through it, no one really understands how bad it can be," she said.
"I can see why so many people give up, the system makes it really difficult."
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