Jo Edwards joins ITV’s Lorraine to discuss ‘Silver Splitters’ and the rise of divorce among over 50s

Jo Edwards appeared on ITV’s Lorraine, sharing insights into the surge in divorce enquiries in September and the growing trend of “silver splitters”- a term used to describe individuals over 50 seeking divorce.

The growth of silver splitters

The over-50 age group is the only demographic in England and Wales where the divorce rate is increasing. In the United States, the percentage of divorces involving individuals over 50 rose dramatically over a 20 year period, from 9% in 1990 to 36% in 2010.

Why is this happening?

Several factors contribute to this trend:

• Changed social attitudes: There is less stigma associated with divorce today than there once was.
• Later marriages: People are marrying later in life (average age in England & Wales at first marriage - 31 for women, 33 for men).
• Longer marriages: The median length of marriage at divorce reached 12.9 years in 2022, the longest on record.
• Later parenthood: Having children later in life often leads to divorces occurring later.
• Financial independence: Greater financial independence, especially among women, can play a part in the decision to divorce.

Considerations for those divorcing (at all ages)

If you are contemplating divorce, here are some crucial points to consider:

• Take your time: Don’t rush into decisions unless there is domestic abuse.
• Protect your children: Avoid using children as leverage.
• Seek legal advice: Get legal counsel and early signposting.
• Explore alternatives: Be aware of all alternatives to court.
• Self-care: Look after your well-being.

Impact of no-fault divorce

The introduction of no-fault divorce in April 2022 positively transformed the divorce landscape, making the process less acrimonious. It is also crucial to address financial issues concurrently to ensure a smoother transition.

Later life divorce considerations

For those divorcing later in life, specific considerations include:

• Pensions: Pensions are a critical asset. Research published last year revealed that only one in nine divorces involved pension sharing when the pension wasn’t yet in payment.
• Wills and pre-nups: Revisiting wills and considering a pre-nup if remarrying are essential steps.

For more insights and advice on navigating divorce at any age, and/or to learn more about our family mediation services, contact our Family team at Forsters.