Divorce Rate on the Rise for Older Couples

MELVILLE, NY, April 23, 2012

While the divorce rate has declined in the last twenty years for most people, for those over the age of 50 it has seen an increase. This phenomenon is called "gray divorce." The divorce rate for this group has actually doubled during the past few years. As recently as 2009, one out of every four people getting a divorce was over the age of 50. Whereas many older couples in the past outlasted difficulties in a marriage which would eventually end in the death of a spouse, now these couples are divorcing.

The reasons for divorce among older populations are not necessarily out of the norm. Finances, the history of a relationship or a change in feelings can all cause a divorce for couples of any age. Older couples, however, do have some unique perspective in regards to the perception of marriage now, versus when they originally got married.

Divorce might be more frequent now, but years ago, couples tended to shy away from divorce because of societal norms and similar pressure. This information creates a new perspective in the duration of what a marriage should or could be, and may explain why so many older couple divorce. In addition, many older couples are dealing with stresses that younger couples do not have, like failing health. This added stress may also relate to the increase in the divorce of older couples.

No matter if a couple is newlywed or just celebrated their 25-year wedding anniversary, dealing with the prospect of divorce can be very difficult on everyone involved. Ending a marriage later in life does not mean one's life ends there; like any other divorcing couple, a past marriage does not define someone. People experiencing life after divorce have equal claim to making it fulfilling.

Bryan L. Salamone & Associates, P.C.
Long Island Divorce Lawyers
1145 Walt Whitman Road
Melville NY 11747
Phone: 631-479-2857
Toll Free: 888-389-1411
Fax: 631-424-5023
Web: http://www.aggressivelongislandcustodyattorney.com/