The divorce rate among couples over the age of 50 has steadily increased during the last few years in the U.S. More baby boomers are deciding to end their marriage and file for divorce, and the number of baby boomers getting divorced may only increase in the future.
Divorce lawyers in the U.S. reported that they’ve seen a 61 percent increase in divorces involving baby boomers, according to a recent poll. Roughly 25 percent of these divorces were iniatiated by females, compared to 14 percent of gray divorces being filed by husbands.
More baby boomers are opting to get divorced due to society becoming more acceptable of separation and divorce. The increase in gray divorces is also attributed to people living longer and reaching retirement and children leaving the home.
The divorce rate among baby boomers has doubled during the last 20 years, according to a study by the National Center for Family and Marriage Research. This is because more baby boomers are deciding to get divorced instead of staying in their marriage for the rest of their lives.
One reason more women over the age of 50 are filing for divorce is because women have started earning more money and have their own professional careers. Women who are financially succesful may feel more comfortable leaving their marriages because they can live on their own instead of relying on their husband’s income.
Baby boomers who are considering separation or divorce should consult a divorce attorney to understand the divorce process and what steps to take to prepare for life after the divorce is finalized.
Source: World Bulletin, “Gray divorces rsising as more baby boomers opt to end marriages,” June 24, 2013
