In the last few years, Australia has seen a rising trend of 'Grey Divorces'.
These marriages are often lengthy ones - typically 20+ years - with considerable wealth and complex asset pools accumulated throughout the course of the relationship.
Explore the contributing factors and real-life experiences in this fascinating era, with insights from the team of talented and experienced family lawyers at Sarinas Legal.
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The Trend of "Grey Divorces"
Statistics have shown that couples who had been married for 20 or more years made up more than 25% of the 56, 244 divorces granted in Australia in 2021.
The data also shows that the overall median age at divorce has also been rising since the 1980s, with the median age at divorce now 45.9 years for men and 43 years for women.
Our Expert Insights into the Rise of the "Grey Divorce Era"
We have certainly observed this trend in our Family Law practice at Sarinas Legal, with various factors contributing to the rise of divorces for those aged 50 and above. Commonly cited reasons for separation in this age group include:
financial pressures;
changes and mismatches in each party's physical intimacy needs;
‘empty nest syndrome’;
waiting until children have finished school to minimise disruption to their studies; and
retirement adjustments.
Sarah Sarinas, a Family Lawyer at Sarinas Legal agrees that these statistics are reflected in the firm's family law matters and client experiences:
“We find that our clients in this age group have worked incredibly hard for decades, and they are now adjusting to this new chapter in their lives. This often involves the relationship pivoting because children have 'flown the nest', and one or both parties are often adjusting to retirement and spending more time in each other’s company without the busyness and distraction of work and children.
These significant changes can amplify long-term issues that have previously been ignored or not fully dealt with and resolved, resulting in many couples realizing they have fallen out of love with their spouse, or no longer have anything in common with their spouse.”
Conclusion
If you are looking for confidential advice and guidance for your later-in-life separation or assistance with your Divorce Application, reach out to our experienced Family Lawyers today.
References:
Australian Bureau of Statistics; Australian Institute of Family Studies:
ABC News article: