However long you have been married, sometimes a relationship simply doesn’t work anymore, and divorce becomes a very real option. However, after decades together, it can be scary to go it alone.
Here our divorce solicitors discuss marriage statistics, such as the percentage of divorces after 30 years of marriage and provide tips on how to handle a separation after so long as a couple.
Are Long-Term Couples Less Likely to Divorce?
According to the Office for National Statistics, the average man in England and Wales gets divorced at 46 years old, whereas the average woman is 43 ½. And the rate of those getting divorced at 60 years old or later is roughly the same as for those in the last years of their twenties.
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Men’s age at divorce
(opposite-sex couples in 2017):
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Women’s age at divorce
(opposite-sex couples in 2017):
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Under 20 – 1
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Under 20 - 8
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20 to 24 – 304
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20 to 24 – 949
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25 to 29 – 3,900
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25 to 29 – 6,689
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30 to 34 – 10,584
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30 to 34 – 13,415
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35 to 39 – 13,979
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35 to 39 – 15,609
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40 to 44 – 14,981
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40 to 44 – 15,373
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45 to 49 – 16,828
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45 to 49 – 16,048
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50 to 54 – 14,410
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50 to 54 – 12,881
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55 to 59 – 9,500
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55 to 59 – 7,326
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60 and over – 9,831
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60 and over – 6,227 |
The 2017 data has revealed that 35% of those married in 1970 were divorced by their 40th wedding anniversary, compared to 38% from 1975. The highest rates of divorce can be seen with couples married in 1990 meeting their 25th anniversary (41%) and those married in 1980 reaching their 35th wedding anniversary together.
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Cumulative percentages of marriages which ended in divorce
England and Wales, selected marriage years (cohorts)
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Year of marriage
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Anniversary (years)
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5
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10
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15
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20
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25
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30
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35
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40
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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1970
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5
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15
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22
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27
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30
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33
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34
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35
|
|
1975
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7
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18
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25
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30
|
34
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36
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38
|
38
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1980
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9
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21
|
29
|
34
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38
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40
|
41
|
|
|
1985
|
10
|
23
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30
|
36
|
40
|
42
|
|
|
|
1990
|
11
|
24
|
32
|
38
|
41
|
|
|
|
|
1995
|
11
|
25
|
33
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38
|
|
|
|
|
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2000
|
10
|
23
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31
|
|
|
|
|
|
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2005
|
8
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21
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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2010
|
8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Despite this, the fastest rises in the number of divorces can be seen during the first 15 years. After this, the rate of increase begins to plateau. So, it appears that couples who have stood the test of time are less likely to divorce.
Read more: Inheritance After Divorce: Will I Still be Entitled?
How to Survive Divorce After 30 Years of Marriage
However long you have been married, getting a divorce can be an emotional time, and there is no one set way to sail through the process unharmed. Adopting the following will help though:
Get Some Space
Long marriages often come with a family home. Therefore, for some people, selling this house and moving into smaller, separate properties represents a fresh start. This may be a hard process, but for most couples selling the family home can be the only option to release funds so that both parties can buy separate properties.
If you do not have the heart to move from your home, you will likely need to buy out your ex and transfer their share of the equity. Here at Howells we have a multi award-winning conveyancing department who can help you.
Know You’re Not Alone
Although you may be getting a divorce, you’re not alone. Speak to friends, family, or even a therapist and share your feelings. You will feel better for it. There are also a number of divorce support groups out there, where you can speak to others currently going through similar ‘grey divorces’.
Stay Amicable (If Possible)
We’re not suggesting you have to be best friends, but pleasantries can make future run-ins much more pleasant. This is especially true if you have shared family such as children or grandchildren. So, try not to bad mouth each other too much!
Employ a Good Solicitor
Divorce is stressful enough, without the need for a long drawn out process or confusion over what you need to do. Therefore, employing the services of a trained and professional divorce solicitor is essential.
We offer a quick, hassle-free, and cost-effective legal service to help you get a clean break and start your new future. Get in touch today to discuss your case with a friendly expert.
