Why Are Gray Divorce Cases Increasing in the United States?

 Posted on July 27, 2020 in Gray Divorce

When talking about divorce, most people are familiar with the commonly cited fact that around half of all U.S. marriages ultimately fail. According to the Pew Research Center, the general divorce rate in the United States has actually been decreasing since 1990. When you look at adults who are over the age of 50, however, the divorce rate has actually increased. Ten out of every 1,000 couples over the age of 50 got divorced in 2015, which doubled from 1990. Among those who were age 65 and older, the divorce rate actually tripled between 1990 and 2015. Getting divorced when you are over the age of 50, which is also referred to as gray divorce, can be a complicated process, and that is why hiring a knowledgeable attorney is so important.

Attitudes About Divorce Are Changing

Even just 30 years ago in 1990, there was more of a negative stigma surrounding divorce than what exists in today’s world. If you got divorced back then or even longer ago, it was scandalous and wrong. Now, getting a divorce is seen by many as the right thing to do if you find yourself in a loveless or unsatisfying marriage. Gray divorces could be more prevalent because of this shift in public attitude.

Lifespans Have Increased

Another reason could be because of advances in modern medicine allowing the lifespan to increase. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average lifespan for American men in 2017 was approximately 76, while the average lifespan for women was slightly higher around 81. Longer lifespans may mean that those who are at what is normally considered middle-aged are getting divorced because they know they still have plenty of life left to live. They want to take advantage of the time and spend it doing what makes them happy.

Children Moved Out of the Home

In this age group are adults whose children may be leaving their parents with an empty home for the first time in 18 years or longer. This is another common reason why gray divorces take place and could be a contributor to the increase in the divorce rate for older Americans. Couples who are left alone when their last child moves out of the home may go through an adjustment period. However, if they did not put in the work to keep up their marriage while they were raising their children, they may find that their marriage has deteriorated and they have nothing in common now that their kids are all grown up.

Contact a Kane County Divorce Attorney

If you are over the age of 50 and you are contemplating a divorce, you should discuss your situation with a skilled Aurora divorce lawyer who can protect your rights and make sure you receive a fair settlement. At the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., we understand that getting a divorce later in life can feel overwhelming and stressful, but we will do everything in our power to help with the legal details and lessen the financial impact. To schedule a private consultation with our experienced legal team, call our office today at 630-409-8184.

Sources:

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/03/09/led-by-baby-boomers-divorce-rates-climb-for-americas-50-population/

https://thriveglobal.com/stories/four-reasons-for-rise-in-gray-divorce/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/margueritacheng/2019/02/26/grey-divorce-its-reasons-its-implications/#612562a44acd

https://www.businessinsider.com/gray-divorce-attorney-insights-separation-when-older#the-differences-between-going-through-a-gray-divorce-and-getting-divorced-when-youre-younger-1