Why are More Couples Over the Age of 50 Getting Divorced?

The divorce rate for couples 50 years of age and older, often known as ‘gray divorce,’ is much higher than it was a generation ago. Although the divorce rate in the United States has dropped in recent decades, the rate for people over 50 has doubled during the same time. For people over the age of 65, the divorce rate has tripled. So, why are so many older couples deciding it is time to end their marriage? Below, our Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer outlines a few reasons for the increase.

Longer Life Expectancies

Today, people are living much healthier and longer lives. As people over the age of 50 start to consider their ‘second’ or ‘third act,’ they may not want to spend the next 10 to 20 years in an unhappy and unfulfilling marriage. Instead, couples may choose to end their marriage and find another path to personal happiness.

Women Becoming Financially Independent 

Studies on gray divorces also show that women are much more likely to start the process than men. At one time, women depended heavily on their spouse for financial support. Today, though, women over the age of 50 often have their own careers, income, and retirement savings than generations before them. This provides them with the financial ability to leave an unhappy marriage without worrying about how they will support themselves.

Changing Societal Norms 

There was once a real stigma surrounding divorce. It was seen as a personal failure when a couple could not make their marriage work. Today, that is no longer the case. Society places a greater emphasis on happiness today and so, it is viewed as more acceptable to leave a marriage that is unhappy.

Empty Nest Syndrome

When parents are raising children together, it is easy to become distracted by the hectic schedules and tasks of day-to-day life. Once those parental distractions are removed, it can bring long-simmering issues to the forefront. After children grow up and leave the family home, couples may find that the only thing they had in common with their spouse was the children. With nothing else in common, one or both spouses may decide to end their marriage.

Generational Factors

Many people who get a gray divorce today are part of the Baby Boomer generation. The divorce rates for Baby Boomers are higher than other generations. Baby Boomers are also more likely to have been married before and the divorce rate for subsequent marriages is higher than first marriages for people of any age.

Infidelity

Infidelity is a very common reason for divorce for couples of all ages. Interestingly, however, the rates of infidelity are highest for men who are over the age of 70 years old and women who are aged 50 to 70.

Our Divorce Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Can Help with Your Case 

Gray divorces are not only becoming more common, but they also involve very complex issues, such as the division of retirement accounts. At Haber Blank, our Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer knows how to overcome the challenges these cases present so you obtain the fair settlement you are entitled to. Call us today at 954-767-0300 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to get more information.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/0061.html