Some couples are thought to delay to make sure they are certain before they begin an expensive legal process, and in the hope that an economic recovery may raise the value of their homes and savings.

Even divorce hasn't necessarily meant separation in Cuba, where estranged couples have often been forced to live together for years while they worked out alternative housing.

For a Chinese man marriage is impossible without him owning an apartment, the right over which was Shared in the event of divorce as per the old rules.