Divorces Rise Among Over-60s

The number of older people getting a divorce has risen sharply since the early nineties, figures show. Despite the overall number of divorces falling since the mid-1990s, the number of over-60s who are splitting has gone up, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics. For people working through divorce or separation, it can be a traumatic time. Using London divorce lawyers is the best way to ensure the process is as straightforward as possible, both for parents and children.

Rise in Number of People Using Divorce Lawyers

The ONS statistics showed that the number of men aged 60 and over who got divorces in 2011 was 9,500 – up 73% from two decades earlier. Meanwhile the number of women over 60 who were granted a divorce in 2011 was 5,800 compared with 3,200 in 1991. This difference between men and women could be down to the fact that husbands are in general older than their wives, according to the ONS. In 2011, the average length of marriage for men aged 60 and over who got divorced was 27.4 years, while the figure was 31.9 years for women over 60. The highest number of over-60s divorces ever was in 1972, when the Divorce Reform Act made it easier for a couple to separate. The increase in over 60s divorces could be down to the fact that there is less stigma attached to getting a divorce or the fact that women have become more financially independent. 1993 saw a record number of divorces in England and Wales, with 165,000 couples splitting up. However in 2011, the latest year for which figures are available, this was 118,000.

Our Family and Matrimonial team helps families across West London and Bucks. Contact the best family law solicitors in London. Contact a member of the team, call us on 01494 790058 or email familylaw@ibblaw.co.uk.