In recent years, “grey divorce,” or divorce later in life, has been getting increasing attention. In part, that’s because of high-profile later-in-life divorces, including those of billionaires Bill and Melinda Gates, Jeff Bezos, and Mackenzie Scott. And in part, that’s because, as people are living longer and women have greater independence than ever before, the conditions are right for later-in-life couples to call it quits if the marriage isn’t working.
A new British study, as The Times reported, sheds some light on this phenomenon. According to the study, about a third of women who divorce later in life report being happier than they were during their marriage.
What’s driving this newfound happiness among many divorcees?
According to the Times article, many women who divorce later in life report “finally having a chance to become the women they always wanted to be.” In part, this is driven by longer lifespans: women who divorce in their 50s can reasonably expect to live another four decades or more, and divorce feels like the gateway to a better next half of life.
“And this new longevity factor, the lived truth of the ‘100-year life,’ means that midlife women do not have to stay stuck and unfulfilled in marriages which are not working for them, where they feel unseen, or, worse, where they are being abused.”
Women interviewed for the Times article also spoke of returning to work and finding satisfaction in their careers, meeting new people, and returning to their true selves.
What’s driving the increase in gray divorce?
According to the study, the reasons for these later-in-life divorces were mixed, with about a quarter of women reporting their marriages broke down due to abuse or domestic violence, a similar percentage blaming a spouse’s affair, and another quarter saying they simply grew apart or fell out of love.
In addition, there’s the diminishing stigma around divorce, as well as changing attitudes around marriage more generally. Some older couples married at a time when they were trying to fulfill expectations set by their parents and society more generally, but are now prioritizing personal fulfillment and overall happiness.
Furthermore, women’s greater economic independence and ability to maintain their own careers, compared to previous generations, give them more flexibility to exit marriages that no longer meet their needs.
An experienced divorce attorney can help you navigate life’s transitions
While grey divorce is becoming more common, and this research shows that you can find happiness on the other side, that doesn’t mean the process is easy. The longer you’ve been married, the more intertwined your lives are. You may own property or even a business jointly.
Furthermore, divorce is always difficult for children, even adult children. That’s not a reason not to do what’s right for you, but it is a reason to proceed carefully, with good legal counsel.
The experienced divorce attorneys at Courtney Clark Law, P.C. know the law and the process, and we can help you find the right path forward. We’ve helped so many clients in Belleville and throughout southwest Illinois navigate some of the toughest times in their lives, and we will guide you every step of the way. Give us a call or contact us online today.
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