Episode 60: Walkaway Wife: women and divorce Artwork

Stowe talks

Stowe talks is a podcast series designed to support people going through a relationship breakdown and all the challenges this brings. When a family breaks down, it brings with it a huge range of emotional, practical and legal complications. Going through it is tough, but making some simple changes to how you approach it can help. Asking and seeking support from others is a great first step.And, this is where this podcast series can help, giving you access to expert advice from some of the best professionals around and some legal insight. In each episode, hosts Matthew Taylor and Liza Gatrell, family lawyers at Stowe Family Law, are joined by a special guest to explore the issues a relationship breakdown brings - from dealing with a toxic ex-partner, how to co-parent, the challenges of blended families, handling finances and more. Getting the right advice can help dial down the stress, calm your fears, and help you through the process and on with life from a position of renewed strength. This podcast series is brought to you by the Stowe talks team at Stowe Family Law.

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Stowe talks

Episode 60: Walkaway Wife: women and divorce

July 25, 2025 • Stowe talks • Season 7 • Episode 60

Walkaway wife syndrome has become an ever-more prominent phrase in the last few years, used to describe a woman who, after years of emotional neglect in her marriage, chooses to end the relationship. In this episode, Matt and Liza are joined by Liz Harrington, co-founder of Family Flow the Divorce Collective, alongside Susie Giles. Liz is an expert trauma therapist and coach.

This podcast explores what causes walkaway wife syndrome, 'symptoms of a walkaway wife' both in women and men, and why people choose to leave a relationship that's not necessarily problematic to outside eyes.

02:31 Unpacking the phrase ‘walkaway wife’ and a silent divorce

05:24 The impact of gender roles and history

07:30 The importance of emotional intelligence in relationships

09:48 Women initiating divorce proceedings

11:40 Financial concerns for women in divorce

14:35 What to do if you’re having doubts in your relationship

17:56 How to help yourself - ‘what is good enough?’

22:22 Working together

23:40 Social factors influencing relationships and gender roles

26:29 What to do if you’re the one being walked-away-from

29:17 The importance of communication and self-reflection

34.10 The legal implications

37:37 Top tips anyone in a walkaway wife situation

Liz and Susie have very kindly set up a unique code for listeners to give you 20% off any service you purchase through their website. The code Stowe20 will give you 20% off.

Family Flow The Divorce Collective is also offering you a free gift called 10 Steps to Successful Negotiations. This is a really useful support tool to help with the practical and emotional aspects of divorce negotiation.

Break-up Club: A beginner’s guide to divorce http://bit.ly/3Imo1Af

What is the best way to end your marriage http://bit.ly/3U1dlcO

Handling the judgment of others during your divorce http://bit.ly/4lKlezd

If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2

Join our email list to get the latest from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts sent monthly to your inbox. Everything you need, in one place https://mailchi.mp/69a5d247d3ba/stowetalks

🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and be

If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2

Join our list to get the latest from our lawyers, divorce coaches and relationship experts sent monthly to your inbox. Everything you need, in one

🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe support.

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This podcast is brought to you by the Stowe talks team at Stowe Family Law - https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/