Gray divorce has grown more common in the United States over the last few decades. It was very unusual for those over 65 to get divorced prior to the 1990s, for instance. But the divorce rate for this age group tripled in three decades, from the 1990s to the 2020s.
The same general trend can be seen when just looking at those who are over or under 45. For younger couples below 45, divorce rates have been falling. For couples over 45, however, divorces have been growing more common. This is often referred to as gray divorce.
Why would becoming an empty nester play a role?
In some cases, divorce happens to parents after their children move out of the house. They become empty nesters. This is a significant time of change, and they may reconsider what they want out of their personal relationship.
Often, this is just a time for them to redefine themselves as more than parents. They may make plans for the future or consider what they want in retirement, for example. When two spouses do not agree on what they want the future to look like, that is when divorce could follow.
In other cases, couples experience high levels of conflict as empty nesters. The relationship may not have been perfect before, but parenting served as a distraction that meant they did not realize how their own personal relationship had changed. Once the children are no longer living in the home, these conflicts and disagreements become clearer, and couples decide that it is time to end the marriage.
Gray divorce cases are often a bit more complex financially, especially when addressing retirement and jointly-owned marital assets. It is important for couples in this age bracket to know what steps they can take to secure their financial future as their marriage ends.