People in their forties are more likely to divorce in the UK based on recent statistics. However, numbers are in a constant state of flux, with some observers believing the rates could increase further due to the new divorce laws introduced in England in Wales in April 2022. To see more on the new rules and how they could affect you, take a look at the Wiselaw no-fault guide which explains the changes, the new process and the various impacts it could have. We take a closer look at in more detail at why if you’re forty you’re more likely to divorce.
The statistics
A 2017 report by the Office of National Statistics states that in opposite sex marriages in England and Wales, more women than men divorced below the age of 45. As ages rose, more men than women were the ones divorcing. The age group 45 – 49 years saw the highest number of divorces in both sexes. Further statistics from 2019 show that for men aged 45 – 49 there were 11,169 divorces compared to women in the same age bracket with 19,241 divorces. In the 40 – 44 age group, there were 10,5710 divorces for women and 9,671 for men.
What are the reasons?
So, what are the most common reasons people choose to divorce in their forties? Statistically, and overall, unreasonable behaviour is the most common cause for a divorce in the UK, accounting for around 27% of the reason for divorce in 2019. After this, a two-year separation with consent is cited as the next most recurring ground for divorce, and over 10% are attributed to adultery based on 2017 statistics.
Reasons why people in their forties are divorcing
In the forties’ cohort, there are often particular reasons for divorce, these are:
- People are living longer
Lifespan is increasing as the population improves its overall health. This means people are living longer and have more years to enjoy their life. Spending longer in an unhappy marriage is not an appealing prospect for many who choose to live the latter half of their life away from their spouse to experience things that make them more content.
- Infidelity
Although spouses can cheat at any age, in your forties, it may be a sign that you have been in an unhappy marriage for a long time and seek romance elsewhere. For someone being cheated on, it may be that you realise you do not want to spend the rest of your days with no trust in your marriage.
- The impact of children
Children often have a positive impact on marriages, but they can also have the reverse effect. When you hit forty, you may have had years with squeezed finances, less time for yourself and less time to spend together and invest in your relationship, leading to frustration and the need to feel freer.
- A change in expectations
For someone in their forties who got married twenty years ago, it could be that expectations have changed. What you wanted or expected from your spouse may no longer be the same but their spouse has not changed alongside this.
- Influence of peers
If you are in an unhappy marriage and have a social group with people who have been through a divorce and come out the other side happier, you may feel influenced by this and seek the same for yourself.
The financial impact of divorce
Naturally, when couples decide to divorce, a separated couple has less wealth following the division of assets. The ONS data also reveals that 12% of married partners have less than £85,000 of total household wealth, and 36.5% of divorced households are within this lower financial range. Around half of married couples have over £500,000 and just over one quarter of divorced households have this amount of wealth.
Can I improve my marriage and avoid divorce?
Some circumstances in marriages mean it is impossible to salvage a relationship. However, there can be ways to improve your marriage and avoid divorce. For example, you may want to make more time for yourself by taking part in activities you enjoy. Focus on more regular communication with your spouse, plan more date nights or give each other more space are some effective strategies. If you want to explore your feelings further, speaking to a professional counsellor or therapist early on can help too. Leaving it too long until you seek support means it is often harder to resolve problems.
Conclusion
Divorcing at any age has a significant impact on our lives but divorcing at 40 can give rise to a unique set of issues and challenges. Getting the advice of a family solicitor can help prepare you ahead of a divorce and steer you in the right direction when it comes to finances and child living arrangements.
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