The Rise of Gray Divorce

October 31, 2010

The Baby Boomer generation gave us the summer of love and a break from some of the traditions of the previous generations. Now it appears the Baby Boomer generation is also giving us a normalization of divorce, especially later in life.

Despite an overall decline in the United States divorce rate, divorces among those married 20, 30 and even 40 years appear to be on the rise. According to Erica Manfred, a New York divorce expert, this rising number of splits between long-married couples is referred to as "gray divorce."

Gray Divorce Statistics

While not specifically measuring the divorce rate in 2005, U.S. Census data indicated that 12.4 percent of men and 15.4 percent of women over the age of 45 were divorced at the time of the survey. However, 2008 U.S. Census data reported that 25 percent of new divorces were among couples married at least 20 years and that 51 percent of those divorced (not remarried at the time) were Baby Boomers.

Of the more shocking statistics, a study by American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) reports that 66 percent of the divorces studied were initiated by the wife. One reason for this is that women of the Baby Boomer generation are more likely financially independent from their husbands than women of previous generations thanks to successful careers.

Reasons for Gray Divorce

Some of the more common reasons for gray divorce include:
- Physical, mental or emotional abuse
- Differences in lifestyle
- Differences in values
- Cheating or adultery
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Emotional estrangement
- Drifting apart

While many of these issues may have been evident earlier in the relationship, couples may have stayed together for the family, waiting until the kids left the house or established their own lives before getting divorced.

Plus, with increased life expectancy, people divorcing after 30 years of marriage still have 20 years of life ahead of them. So, many are deciding to not spend their many remaining years in a marriage that they are not happy with.

If you are facing an impending divorce, speak with an experienced family law attorney to discuss your situation, options and rights.

Article provided by Law Offices of Korol & Velen
Visit us at www.korolandvelen.com