Fifty-three and couch surfing: when divorce forces a hunt for new housing

It often takes two incomes to make rent in the US, which is why a separation can push ex-partners into unusual arrangements

In July 2020, Lauren White, a middle-school counselor, was sitting on her deck with her husband, discussing the impending sale of their home south of Richmond, Virginia, and the new home they had under contract.

The four-bedroom, 2,500 sq ft house had an easier commute and a fenced-in backyard that made White, 41, dream of future barbecues with their children, ages four and eight. They'd sent letters to the seller in hopes of standing out from other buyers - and it worked. They got the home they wanted and were days away from closing.