Silver splitters is a term used for people who divorce later in life. Sometimes this refers to the over-50s, sometimes to the over-65s. Regardless, divorce among both age brackets has exploded in the last 20 years.
Between 2005 and 2015, data from the ONS shows the number of men aged 65+ divorcing rose by 23% and women 65+ by 38%, while overall divorces fell 28%. Since 2015, ONS data suggests a consistent median duration of marriages ending in divorce, suggesting older people continue to divorce at high rates.
This data paints a vivid picture: ‘silver splitters’ are prevalent in the UK.
Divorce is never an easy decision, regardless of age. It is particularly tricky, though, for couples who have spent decades together, raised families, built careers, and have large amounts of shared assets.
If you are considering divorce later in life, there are many factors to consider, and that’s why Eric Robinson Solicitors are here to help. Our experienced family law solicitors offer a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your situation and your options.
Why are silver splitters/grey divorces on the rise?
Increased life expectancy
Adults in the UK are living longer. According to the ONS, life expectancy at birth in the UK was 83.0 years for females and 79.1 years for males from 2022 to 2024. This means that 65-year-olds are, on average, looking ahead towards another two decades of life, which they probably want to live to the fullest. For those in good health, but in unhappy marriages, two decades is plenty of time to bring that relationship to a close, explore new opportunities and even new relationships.
Increased financial independence
Many older couples have large amounts of shared wealth and assets, alongside a pension or may even still be in paid employment. This financial security means that when everything is split up during a divorce, both parties still have the means to support themselves, when previously, older couples were more financially reliant on each other and may have avoided divorce for that reason.
Children leaving home
Many silver splitters are ‘empty nesters’, meaning they had children who have since grown up, left home and become independent. This big change often exposes cracks in a relationship, and leaves time for personal growth, new hobbies and self-reflection. People may realise that they have drifted apart, and without the children to focus their attention, no longer share the same interests or ambitions. If they have the financial means to do so, and continue to feel healthy and well, people in this situation may decide it is the right time for a fresh start, and so divorce can be appealing.
Changing attitudes to divorce
The increase in older people divorcing may be due to changing perceptions. Historically, there has been stigma around getting divorced, often originating from religious beliefs. It has previously been seen as a personal failure, but this couldn’t be further from the empowering, conscientious decision that divorce is seen as today.
Silver splitters may adopt this more modern mindset, that divorce is about prioritising mental wellbeing, and mutual respect rather than remaining in a miserable situation for moral reasons.
What you need to consider
Divorcing later in life presents unique legal and financial challenges. Longer marriages usually mean that the spouses’ lives are more entwined in terms of ownership, mutual reliance and shared responsibilities. If you are considering becoming a silver splitter, it is important to understand the implications.
Dividing assets and property
Complex financial arrangements emerge from long partnerships. Divorces after long marriages may involve sorting out:
- The shared family home
- Additional property
- Savings and investments
- Business interests
Unlike with shorter marriages, any assets are usually viewed as jointly built over time, meaning that a fair division will leave each party equally catered for. To be clear, this does not mean that everything will be split down the middle; it depends on factors such as the future earning potential of each ex-spouse, their requirements, and who takes primary financial responsibility for any children.
Advice from a family law solicitor is essential to protect your interests.
Updating your will
Many married couples have mirror Wills, meaning if one passes away, then the other automatically inherits the whole estate. Divorcing couples, particularly later in life, will need to update their Wills as a matter of urgency. This is because divorce can invalidate certain parts of a Will, ex-spouses may lose inheritance rights, and new estate planning may be required to protect children or other beneficiaries.
Our expert Will Writing Solicitors can provide support and advice on this, as well as for the divorce itself.
Pension splitting
Pensions are one of the most valuable assets in a grey divorce. If you are seeking a later-life divorce, you may need to consider entering into a pension sharing order, or an arrangement where pension value is offset against other assets. For more information on how this works, take a look at our blog on how pensions are split in a divorce.
Pension division can make a significant difference to retirement income, meaning that specialist legal guidance is crucial when making decisions.
How can Eric Robinson Solicitors help?
Silver splitters are people who divorce later in life. There has been an explosion in these types of divorces in the last twenty years due to changing attitudes, longer life expectancy, and greater financial security for older people.
A grey divorce can be an empowering experience, but there are also many practicalities to consider, like splitting assets, pensions and updating your Will. This is why it is important to seek professional advice from a family law solicitor, to ensure your interests are protected, and you can look forward to a fulfilling, independent future.
If you are considering divorce later in life, Eric Robinson Solicitors are here to help. Contact us today to arrange a free 30-minute consultation and take the first step towards securing your future.
We have solicitor offices in:
- Southampton
- Hedge End
- Chandlers Ford
- Winchester
- Lymington
- Shoreham-by-Sea
- Marlborough
- Richmond Upon Thames
