Divorce later in life is more often than not caused by growing apart. In recent years there has been a rise in divorce rates for the over 45’s. In the world of celebrity, we can see it happened to Danny Devito and Rhea Perlman, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver and Al and Tipper Gore. After children have flown the nest and you and your spouse are left alone, you may find that you actually don’t have that much in common anymore. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why more couples are getting divorced later in life.

Living Longer And Gaining Confidence

We are now living longer, more productive and healthier lives. With that comes longer marriages to people we may have wed in our early twenties. As we grow in confidence and develop outside interests, it may be that as a couple we just don’t fit together anymore. When children leave home, a spouse may realize that their husband or wife is not actually that supportive or satisfying. Needs change, goals alter and if neither fit with your spouse anymore it can lead to a huge wedge. In our 60’s we are no longer resigned to retiring. For some, life is just beginning again. And sadly that can lead to separation.

Infidelity

Oh, we hate to say it, but as men get older, they often appreciate the affections of a younger woman. In a mid-life crisis, it can be a huge boost of confidence for them. One moment of madness can wreck a marriage. And no, it’s not just resigned to men. Women do it to. Extra-marital affairs can lead to divorce later in life. If a trust that has been built up over a long period of time has been broken, it’s very difficult to regain it.

Gray Divorce

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The Stigma Has Gone

The stigma that was once attached to divorce has all but gone. We are surrounded by so many celebrity couples divorcing, that it has almost become the norm. It’s a sad but true fact. But without that stigma, more couples are now choosing divorce after their children have left for college. There is no need to stay together ‘for the sake of the kids’ and new horizons look imminently possible. If you are divorcing because you have grown apart, consider looking into divorce mediators to guide you through the process. Experts can help sort out all your divorce documentation, court procedures and any wills that need changing. It’s a peaceful process that can also help to heal the wounds.

Gray Divorce

The phrase ‘gray divorce’ has been coined to signify later life separation. And it’s women who account for 60% of the people that ask for a divorce. This could be because of greater independence, more financial security or simply wanting to walk away from an unsatisfying relationship. Regardless, man or woman, if you are not happy in your marriage even later in life, these days it is becoming increasingly more common to walk away.

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