Are You Facing a Divorce After 50, or 60? You Need to Read This

Those who end up in a divorce at the age of 50 or 60 may worry about what’s going to happen next. Starting a new routine can be daunting. However, over the past couple of decades, there’s been a shift in marital trends. We are seeing more people over the age of fifty opting for a silver or gray divorce, a term that reflects the acceptance of this relatively new trend.

Data Shows Rise In Gray Divorce

The National Center for Family and Marriage Research in Bowling Green State University have published findings that follow marriage and divorce statistics from 1990 to 2014. Compared to the nineties, people who are over the age of 50 “were twice as likely to go through a divorce” in 2014, with the rates climbing even higher after the age of 65. For the rest of the age groups, the rate of divorce remains steady.

Reasons Behind the Rise

Perhaps the most significant spark behind this trend has been the rise in life expectancy enjoyed by married couples. They can expect to live multiple decades after the age of 50 making it hard to settle for a marriage that no longer produces enjoyment. This has couples considering to opt out and change the way they live, choosing to find another partner or go solo.

Women are more likely to be the initiators of divorce, with nearly 60 percent of proceedings filed by women who are forty years of age or older. As families age, parents and older children start to realize that staying together for the kids isn’t necessary, which has also boosted the number of people over age 50 who choose divorce.

No Longer Taboo

Considering that Al and Tipper Gore recently separated, after four decades and four children, it’s safe to say that grey divorce is no longer a taboo subject. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s best to contact a law firm with the expertise to ensure that all of your rights are protected.

Colgan & Associates, LLC is a trusted law firm that focuses on family law, traffic matters and criminal defense. We represent clients throughout Pennsylvania. We have offices located in Harrisburg, York and Dillsburg, PA.

Click here to contact us with any questions you have about divorce, or fill out the form on the right to arrange a free phone consultation.