You may have heard people talk about how the divorce rate in the United States has been going down. There was a time when it went up quickly— right after the beginning of no-fault divorce laws. But since then, at least for those who are under 45, the divorce rate has been dropping.
A person’s age bracket does play a major role in their divorce rate, however. According to some research, between 1990 and 2021, the divorce rate tripled for individuals who are at least 65 years old. This is the fastest increase in divorce rate in the country, and it is often termed a “gray divorce.”
Why is this happening?
Naturally, there are different specific reasons in every divorce case. But there are a few common trends or reasons why the divorce rate may be so high for this age group.
For example, public perception of divorce has changed significantly over the decades. It’s much more acceptable today, in 2025, than it may have been in 1990 or before. Some couples may have felt like they couldn’t get divorced before, but the social stigma has now been lifted and so they’re able to do so.
Additionally, the divorce rate sometimes increases for older couples because their children move out of the house. They become empty-nesters, and their personal relationship changes. Sometimes, they may have been staying together simply to raise their kids jointly, even though they were no longer happy with the romantic relationship and wanted it to end. The divorce just doesn’t happen until they’re done being parents.
Gray divorce can be complicated, especially when looking at retirement benefits and financial assets. If you’re going through one, it’s crucial that you understand all of your legal rights.