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More older couples are calling it quits

On Behalf of | Sep 27, 2021 | Divorce

Divorce among older people in Texas is becoming more common than it ever was before. Divorces during the retirement years have increased so much in the last couple of decades that researchers are using the term “gray divorce” to describe the phenomenon.

How much has gray divorce gone up?

Research has shown that the number of divorces among people over the age of 50 has doubled since 1990. At this rate, gray divorces in the U.S. are expected to triple by 2030. The rate of divorce among couples over age 65 is even higher.

It’s also interesting to note that this trend in late-life divorce is not isolated to the U.S. For example, Japan has seen a quadrupling in the divorce rate among couples who have been married for at least 30 years. Other countries such as the U.K., Australia, Canada, and India are also experiencing a boom in gray divorce.

Why are older couples splitting up?

Researchers can’t pinpoint the exact reasons why so many older couples are choosing to part ways. However, many people speculate that it has to do with a shift in societal attitudes about marriage and divorce.

As a couple ages, things like the kids leaving home and retirement may cause them to spend more time with each other after years of always being too busy. At this stage, the couple might begin to realize that they have become incompatible and decide to file for divorce.

Easier in some ways, harder in others

Divorcing later in life can be easier in some ways and harder in others. For example, there are no child custody negotiations to worry about, but property division may be more complicated. In any case, there will likely be many issues for the couple to decide on before they can officially part ways.