 'Silver-haired' Divorce Rates At All-Time High
 Lyn Ellins Divorce lawyers traditionally see a surge in enquiries in January with many families experiencing a stressful Christmas - the rate of marriage break-up between couples who have been together for decades has also hit an all-time high.
Rising divorce rates among the so called 'silver haired' generation is also counter to the broader trend of falling overall numbers of divorces.
Lyn Ellins, a family lawyer with Charles Lucas & Marshall, believes the rising level of middle aged divorces is partly explained by the phenomenon of baby-boomer emptynesters who decide to end their marriages once their children leave home.
"People are also living longer and healthier lives," she added. "Their children have now grown up but they still have a long time ahead of them - and they are quite happy to forego marital security if they are unhappy living with their husband or wife."
Last year 54,148 people aged 50 or more got divorced - a 65 per cent increase from the 32,767 total of 1981. The average age of divorcees has risen to 41.2 years for women and 43.7 for men.
"Women still tend to instigate the majority of mid-life divorces," says Lyn Ellins. "Many contemplate splitting from their partner years before they decide to do it. Large numbers of women in their 50s have also had careers and are independent.
They are more likely to get out of a bad marriage sooner."
Middle-aged men are less likely to seek a divorce - and are often caught by surprise when their wives announce they want to separate.
"Recent studies show it is a common misconception that men tend to be the ones who want to break up a marriage," says Lyn Ellins. "Men tend to fear that they will suffer more financially within a divorce pay-out - and don't want to upset the status quo."
For more information contact Lyn Ellins on 01793 511055 or lyn.ellins@clmlaw.co.uk
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