If you’re over 45 years old, you should know that your divorce rate may be increasing. Studies have found that young couples have a declining divorce rate, but middle-aged couples tend to have an increasing divorce rate. In fact, couples who are 65 years old or older have seen their divorce rate triple in the last few decades.
You may find yourself wondering why the divorce trends are heading in these opposite directions. What is it about being over 45 that makes divorce more likely? Here are three potential reasons.
1. Growing apart
To begin with, couples sometimes grow apart over time. They may have been compatible when they met in college, but they have both changed over the years. When they re-analyze the relationship, they realize that it doesn’t work any longer.
2. Empty nesters
Another potential reason is that couples at this age often become empty nesters. Their children move out, and suddenly there is nothing to distract them from the issues with their relationship – communication problems, power struggles, constant arguing, etc. Additionally, some couples intentionally stay together simply because they are raising children and get divorced when that process is over.
3. Different goals
Finally, some couples discover that they just have different goals for this stage in their lives. Perhaps one person wants to keep working, while the other wants to retire and travel. If they don’t have compatible plans, they may decide to get divorced so that they can both live the lives they want.
If you do get divorced this year, it can be complicated to divide assets. Be sure you know exactly what legal steps to take.