5 Reasons Couples in Their 50s, 60s, and 70s Get Divorced

 Posted on July 08, 2022 in Divorce

Studies show that the divorce rate in the United States has decreased in recent years. However, divorce among older couples is more common than ever. When divorcing spouses are older, they are more likely to have complex financial concerns. They will have to worry about how the split will influence their retirement plans, living situation, and financial future. They may also have adult children and grandchildren who will be deeply affected by the divorce. “Gray divorce” cases are usually more complicated legally, financially, and practically than typical divorce cases. So, divorcing individuals aged 50 or above are encouraged to work with a divorce lawyer experienced in these gray divorce issues.

Read on to learn about common reasons for gray divorce and what you can do if you are ready to end your marriage.

Causes of Gray Divorce in the United States

Each divorce is as unique as the individuals involved. However, researchers have noticed certain themes with regard to gray divorce. Many older couples divorce because of:

Increased life expectancy – As medical advances allow people to live longer, healthier lives, people are not willing to settle for a miserable marriage later in life. Instead, they want to use their retirement years to pursue what makes them fulfilled and happy.

Changing attitudes about divorce – Four times as many women got divorced in 2018 as compared to divorces in 1900. The divorce rate peaked in the 1980s and has declined slowly but steadily since. Divorce is no longer a taboo and most couples realize that divorce is nothing to be ashamed of.

Women are more financially independent – As more and more women become the breadwinners of their family, there is less pressure on women to stay in unhappy marriages due to financial need.

Infidelity – Cheating is a major contributor to the dissolution of many marriages. With social media and smartphones, having an extramarital affair is easier than ever. Many marriages cannot survive unfaithfulness.

Empty nests – Many couples stay together for the children. They do not want to put children or teenagers through a painful split. Once the spouses are in their 50s and 60s and their children are grown, they start thinking about divorce as a serious option.

Contact our DuPage County Gray Divorce Lawyers

Divorce involving older couples can be much more complicated than divorce involving younger couples. If you are over age 50 and you want to end your marriage, contact our skilled, compassionate Wheaton divorce attorneys for help. Call 630-634-5050 for a free, confidential consultation.

Sources:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/home-will-never-be-the-same-again/202108/why-the-divorce-rate-older-couples-keeps-rising

https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/why-more-couples-are-divorcing-at-older-ages-than-before-and-what-you-can-do-to-avoid-it