Why are Gray Divorces Becoming So Common?

Many people assume that when a couple has been married for many years, perhaps even decades, they will stay together forever. Unfortunately, that is not always true. Adults aged between 55 and 64 years old have the highest divorce rate among married couples above the age of 20 years old, according to the United States Census Bureau. When a couple over the age of 50 years old end their marriage, it is known as a gray divorce. Below, our Brandon divorce attorney explains why gray divorces are becoming more common.

No Longer a Stigma Surrounding Divorce 

Society once viewed divorce as a very negative thing. Even just 40 years ago, many people did not even want to broach the subject, let alone go through with it. Today, that is obviously no longer the case. Divorce is now much more common than it once was, and the stigma that once surrounded it no longer exists. For this reason, older adults are becoming more comfortable with divorce and with the idea of starting the process when they are no longer happy in their marriage.

Divorce is More Common in Second Marriages 

Many older couples have been married before and are in their second marriage. Second marriages are much more likely to end in divorce than first marriages. While the divorce rate for first marriages hovers around 50 percent, that increases to 67 percent for second marriages.

A Bigger Focus on Mental Health 

Due to the fact that divorce used to be viewed so negatively, people often remained in an unhappy marriage rather than get a divorce. Women particularly often could not envision finding fulfillment outside of their family or their marriage. Today, there is a bigger focus on mental health and people are starting to understand the importance of being happy. Now, women over the age of 50 also already have established careers, and so they know they can find fulfillment elsewhere.

Empty Nesters 

When people have children together, they take up a lot of a couple’s time. It is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of raising a family, taking children to school, and participating in their extra-curricular activities. Once the children grow up and leave home to start their own lives, parents may find that they no longer have anything in common and that they have grown apart. Spouses may also find that they no longer enjoy doing the things they once did together. This can create tension in a relationship, which can lead to divorce.

Our Divorce Attorney in Brandon Can Assist with Your Case 

If you are over the age of 50 and are considering divorce, you need sound legal advice. At Koether Law, P.A., our Brandon divorce attorney can help you through the process and negotiate with the other side so you obtain the full and fair settlement you deserve. Call us now at 813-347-8193 or contact us online to book a consultation with our experienced attorney and to learn more about how we can help.

Sources:

americanbar.org/groups/dispute_resolution/publications/JustResolutions/just-resolutions-march-2022/how-grey-divorce-differs-from-a-typical-divorce/

psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-intelligent-divorce/201202/the-high-failure-rate-second-and-third-marriages

census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2021/marriages-and-divorces.html