"Gray Divorce" Making Headlines Around the Nation

February 05, 2011 (Press-News.org) The divorce rate has slowed in recent years, but not across all demographics. An unexpected segment of the population is experiencing an uptick in divorces -- those who have been married more than 20 years. So-called "gray divorce" is making the news in family law circles as more and more couples decide that after decades of marriage they are ready to start a new life apart from their spouse. The recent high-profile divorce filing of Al and Tipper Gore is a shining example of the phenomenon, and it provides insights to law professionals and laypersons alike.

What Leads Couples to Divorce After Such a Long Time Together?

Like most younger couples, those choosing to go their separate ways after 20, 30, 40 years of marriage or more do so because they want new opportunities. They long for new experiences. They are in a rut, are unhappy, feel trapped or figure that since their nest has emptied, it is time to spread their wings. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of gray divorces are not the result of one or more parties having an affair, though a desire to have new and exciting relationships is certainly a contributing factor to the rapid growth in divorces of people of a certain age.

What Else Has Contributed to the Rise in Gray Divorce?

Divorce is, for lack of a better term, easier now than ever before. In recent years the onset of collaborative divorce, mediation and other cooperative methods of resolution have made the process simpler, less adversarial and less expensive. There is also the fact that couples are living longer, and they might, during their time together, grow apart. Another reason why many couples are splitting up after long marriages is that it is "okay" to get a divorce now -- the societal stigma or sense of failure once associated with divorce is now largely gone.

Regardless of your age, if you are interested in learning more about a divorce or legal separation, you should contact an experienced family law attorney in your area to learn more about your options.

Article provided by Michael A. Ward PC
Visit us at www.wardlegal.com