When we think of couples who are going through a divorce, we most commonly perceive this age group in society to be predominately middle aged couples.
Although figures from the media and national statistics office point to a trend that might in time change this perception of the nation divorcees. The figures show increasingly older couples are divorcing in greater volumes than ever before.
Divorce rates are increasing among our older generation
Is this a temporary statistical blip, or are divorce rates set to increase further for our older generation?
As the phrase 'silver separation' is coined more and more often now by some media commentators, there is also growing analysis and statistics being released to back up this commonly used expression for describing elderly divorcees.
This then leaves us with many unanswered questions, as to what could be actually causing this spike in divorce rates seen over recent years, or is this just a statistical anomaly at work?
What could actually be causing this 'Silver Separation' divorce phenomenon?
9% of people aged over 65 were divorced in 2011 - double than in 2001
Changes in society as a whole and how woman have now become more empowered financially, is also a often cited reason within the media.
Our aging generation are more financially independent from each other and therefore it could be argued are more able to make more bold life decisions.
Such decisions for instance about each partners living arrangements, and whether they wish to stay with there partners are being made.
This therefore may indicate that this generation of pensioners and the elderly are therefore increasingly not tied out of necessity to each other.
This generation of aging divorcees therefore is in a stark contrast to a <em>bye- gone</em> era when woman were typically considered the homemakers of society.
Could this be fuelling the rise in divorcee numbers?
Times are changing and so are divorce rates here in the UK. Are 'Silver Separation' divorcees a sign of things to come?
Advances in healthcare are allowing people to live longer and more fulfilling lives, this could also be another factor at play
Because of modern health advances in recent decades this could be a further reason for allowing partners to plan there futures for longer periods of time, more so than possibly any previous generation have ever done so before.
As our lives get longer many couples may have therefore ambitions and goals, which may not bode well with their partner's vision for the future, thus causing increased number of divorces.
The older generation having more opportunity also to enjoy their retirement age may also have the potential for increased time for fractious relationships to form in later life.
This point of time in ones life may in the absence of work also cause couples to differ in opinion as to where to live in terms of other family members, or just on how to enjoy retirement age together.
With the rise of popularity in mature students studying courses of interest and travelling further and for greater periods, this may be another contributing factor as to some common differences of opinions, on how to spend such precious time.
Starting a new chapter of anyone's life and experiencing significant life changes never comes without its complexities.
Divorce and separation comes with its complexities at any age, but possibly more so this problem is exacerbated at a later stage of ones life.
The possibility of greater accrued assets within the relationship such as, maturing pensions, possible multiple properties, all do need careful legal consideration on division.
This is to ensure a fair settlement to both sides is awarded upon your divorce.
Often many are confused as to their legal standing in terms of intricate areas such as pension schemes, that either one or both partners may have entered into over the course of there lifetimes.
Also the needs of each separating partner may have changed somewhat substantially sometimes, and will need to be assessed with more caution and consideration than that of younger couples.
This is because one partner may have become more dependent on the other and possibly more frail than the other partner within the relationship.
Therefore the persons current and future needs may need to be factored into the equation upon the division of assets, and when making an assessment on the basis of their joint needs.
Elderly care in the community or a rest home form of care can be an expensive time within anyone's life, and such considerations will need to be balanced out upon divorce.
Alun Jones Family Law fully appreciates that making any major life decision needs to be based on facts and solid advice from an individual you have full confidence within.
This is why when it comes to the legalities of any separation Alun Jones and his team can help you chart a course forwards.
Whether you wish to use Mediation, Collaborative Law or pursue a case through the courts Alun and his expert team can help you.
Local and independent this specialist family law practice has the ability to take a more personal approach than compared to some larger more corporate style practices in Cardiff.
When those looking to separate have spent decades with one and other it can be difficult in terms of who to turn to for confidential advice regarding such matters.
In such a situation why not then contact Alun Jones Family Law for an initial set hourly fee to discuss your options?
If you value experience and a friendly approach taken then we are the team for you in Wales.
How we can help you during the process of separation and divorce regardless of what stage of life you are at.
At whatever age a couple/ enters into the divorce process there is a common thread that unites all, and that is the experience can be stressful, uncomfortable and upsetting for all concerned.
When you have made the hard decision to start a new chapter in your life let Alun Jones Family Law of Cardiff be the solicitors of choice for you, to help guide you through the process from start to finish.
