When a couple has been married for 20, 30 or even 40 years of marriage, it often comes as a shock when they announce their decision to divorce. Just what could have caused a divorce after such a long marriage? Had the decision been in the works for years? Is this the result of a mid-life crisis?
According to “The Gray Divorce Revolution” study, the divorce rate has been increasing for the past 20 years among people ages 50 and older. For some this is shocking, as staying together later in life is often considered to be a better decision financially. However, the reasoning behind any divorce is always personal — and in many cases — intrinsic happiness is better than money anyways.
An often cited reason among older couples who decide to divorce is that the love just wasn’t there anymore. The two basically fell out of love and view each other as friends. However, interested in others and wanting to have relationships outside of friendship, the two often decide divorce is the best option.
Another common reason for divorce among older couples is that the family unit broke up and the husband and wife realized they had nothing in common. Basically, once the kids grew up and moved out on their own, the parents lacked that common bond that held the marriage together.
Lastly, a mid-life crisis resulting in the need to find oneself or travel across the country can lead to a husband and wife no longer being on the same page. While the husband wants to travel to South America and live abroad, the wife wants no part in traveling and doesn’t even understand his desire.
Of course, these are also just some of the many reasons couples who have been married for decades decide to divorce.
Source: The Huffington Post, “Divorced After Decades,” Lois Tarter, Oct. 12, 2012
- Whether a couple had been married for five years or 25 years, our firm handles divorce. To learn more about our practice, please visit our St. Louis divorce page.
