Divorce Rate for Baby Boomers in U.S. Increases to 35 Percent

March 22, 2012

Divorce Rate for Baby Boomers in U.S. Increases to 35 Percent

It used to be uncommon to think of grandparents divorcing. But the divorce rate among baby boomers has climbed to 35 percent, even though the national rate of divorce overall is decreasing. According to the Office for National Statistics, divorce is decreasing in every age group except for couples in their 60s. Grandchildren may now end up splitting holidays and visits not between mom and dad, but between grandma and grandpa.

One reason for the increase could be that people in this generation have waited until their kids are grown and out of the house before leaving an unhappy marriage. Alternatively, the increase in divorcein the golden years could be due to a change in priorities. As people get older, personal happiness finally reaches the top spot on their list.

Another possible reason for the trend is the financial stability that sometimes occurs as people age. Divorce is expensive, and waiting until there are enough assets for two people to live comfortably in two different households may make sense to those who want to divorce. This financial stability is particularly applicable to women, as statistically more and more women are experiencing financial independence.

Laws have also changed in the last few decades, making the division of property more equitable, especially in states community property laws. While one of the spouses may not have wanted to divorce 20 years ago because the division of assets would not have been fair, that is no longer the case in many states.

Finally, the social stigma and religious taboos of divorce have weakened, so that divorcing in the 21st century no longer carries with it as negative a connotation as might have been the case when baby boomer couples first married.

While divorce is never an easy decision, baby boomers are choosing it more frequently than any other age group, with 25 percent of all divorces occurring between couples who have been married 20 years or longer, according U.S. Census Bureau statistics.

Those considering divorce should contact an experienced family law attorney, in order to discuss their situation.

Article provided by Law Offices of Lemkin, Barnes & Row, Inc.
Visit us at http://www.lbr-law.com