The Rise of Divorce Partnerships in China: Single Mothers Forming New Households

A new trend has emerged in China where individuals post messages on social media seeking a “divorce partner.” This phenomenon primarily involves single mothers forming new households to support each other with shared living costs and childcare responsibilities.

The rise of divorce partnerships is driven by the practical challenges faced by lone mothers after separation from their husbands. Many single mothers need to work to cover their expenses, which complicates their ability to care for their children. A survey by China Women’s News of 271 single mothers revealed that 59.4% had never received child support from their ex-husbands, and those who did often received less than what was ordered by the courts.

In this context, forming alliances outside of marriage has become a viable solution for many single mothers. In these arrangements, one party works to earn an income while the other takes care of the children and household duties. This arrangement is sometimes seen as a symbol of female independence, although it does not always work out as planned.

For example, Jingwen Lin from Guangdong province and Xiaoli Chen from Shandong province formed a partnership that lasted just 108 days. Lin became a single parent after unexpectedly becoming pregnant at 35. Facing severe financial challenges, she posted a “divorce partner” recruitment ad, attracting Chen. They established a division of labor where Chen took care of the children, allowing Lin to work. However, they separated by the Chinese Spring Festival due to the demanding care their young children needed and an inability to sustain their income.

Despite their efforts to boost income by setting up a night market stall, they ended up losing 3,000 yuan (US$400) in less than a month, leading to their separation. Nonetheless, there were positive aspects to their partnership, such as children playing together and mothers sharing meal preparation. Many online observers see these partnerships as a win-win situation, commenting that life is better without a troublesome man and with a supportive helper instead.

However, Chen Yijun, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, warns that impoverished single mothers represent a vulnerable new group, especially in cities. Those with low education and no skills, who were entirely dependent on their husbands before divorce, find it extremely difficult to sustain a living afterward. Additionally, “partner families” are not legally protected under current Chinese family law. Scholars studying non-marital cohabitation for elderly care have pointed out potential property disputes and rights infringements.

While divorce partnerships offer a practical solution for single mothers, the lack of legal protection and economic stability poses significant challenges. These partnerships highlight the need for better support systems for single mothers navigating life after divorce.

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