Divorcing after Long-Term Marriage is On the Rise, but Why? We Examine the Top Reasons Here
When it comes to divorce, the truth is that there is likely never an easy time to start the process. Whether a married couple has been together for two days, two months, two years, or practically two lifetimes, the decision to formally end the marriage is often a challenge for even the toughest of cookies. However, these days, couples that have been together in longer-term marriages are outpacing younger couples with newer marriages when it comes to seeking divorces. Indeed, according to research by AARP as reported by PsychCentral, the “midlife divorce”, those marriage “breakups” initiated by people 45-years-old and older (or who have been married for 25 years or more), are on the rise, while divorce rates for those under 45-years-old have been dropping over the last 30 years. But why are more long-term marriages failing these days? We take a look at those reasons here.
Six Reasons Long-Term Marriages Fail, Even around the 25-Year Mark
Although it may seem counterintuitive that more couples that have been married long-term are getting divorced, there are a number of reasons for the recent trend. According to PsychCentral, those reasons include:
- Empty Nest Syndrome: Linda Hershman, LMFT and author of the book “Gray Divorce: Everything You Need to Know About Later-Life Breakups” believes that many longer-term couples divorce after their children leave the nest. Hershman says, “Many couples’ identities can be wrapped around being a provider or a parent…When those roles change or require less of them, it can lead people to reexamine their lives, and often, their marriages.”
- Changes in Male-Female Power Dynamics: Women are more independent than ever before, and have the legal rights and economic power to leave unhappy or abusive marriages.
- Longer Life Spans: The fact that people are living longer than ever before may cause older individuals in their 60’s and above to ask themselves if their marriage is still working for them, and make the change if it is not.
- Financial Stressors: Just like newer marriages and mid-term marriages, finances can always cause stress and strain on a marriage, and long-term marriages are no different.
- Reduced Stigma of Divorce in Society: In the past, divorce may have been considered faux pas and couples hesitated to divorce for fear of being socially outcast. These days, the social stigma that divorce used to carry with it is, in most social circles, nonexistent.
- Mental Health: Partners in longer-term couples may have mental health issues that were previously ignored and undiagnosed. After children leave the nest, these issues may crop up and affect the marriage to the point of divorce.
Help with your Divorce in Chicago – Chicago Divorce Lawyer
The bottom line is that while more couples who have been in longer-term marriages are seeking divorces these days, divorce is rarely easy, and no person should have to go through the complex Chicago divorce process alone. If you are seeking a divorce in Chicago, contact the experienced Chicago divorce lawyers at the law firm Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC. Call Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC today and speak to a Chicago divorce lawyer about your rights and options now.
Source:
psychcentral.com/relationships/long-term-marriage-problems
