Divorce has become more common among people in many demographics in Washington, including older people. Marriage separation also hits certain families harder. For example, the daughters of divorced parents are 60 percent more likely to divorce while the sons of divorced parents are 35 percent more likely to end their marriages. Despite these alarming statistics, divorce rates in general have remained steady or even decreased in recent years.
However, older couples are more likely to divorce than in the past, a trend that has continued to rise. People aged 50 and older are twice as likely to divorce in 2018 as they were in 1990. The divorce rate for couples aged 65 and older has tripled during the same time, a phenomenon called the “gray divorce revolution.” There are a number of elements that could contribute to these divorces at an older age. Couples who are on their second or third marriages are 2.5 times more likely to divorce than those who have remained in their first marriages. In addition, people who have been married for a short time are more likely to split.
Life transitions can also prompt the decision to separate. When children move out of the home or spouses spend more time together after retirement, it can be difficult to adjust to the changes that occur. In addition, divorces later in life are often closely linked with the amount of dissatisfaction couples feel about their free time and enjoyment of life.
When people consider divorce in their older years, they may be especially concerned about how the end of their marriage will affect their retirement funds and Social Security. A family law attorney can work with a divorcing spouse to achieve a fair settlement on property division and other key issues.