Divorces After Two Decades of Marriage Reach Record High
New data indicates a significant shift in marital dissolutions, with couples now more likely to separate after 20 years.
The traditional "seven-year itch" may be fading, as recent figures reveal a record number of married couples are divorcing after two decades together. For the first time, divorces occurring after 20 years of marriage have surpassed all other duration categories in England and Wales.
According to data from the Office for National Statistics, 26 percent of the 102,879 opposite-sex divorces finalized last year involved couples who had been married for at least 20 years. This amounts to 27,180 couples ending long-term relationships. In comparison, 23 percent of divorces were among couples married for five to nine years, and 22 percent involved those together for ten to 14 years.
Historically, the largest share of divorces has typically been among couples married for five to nine years, reinforcing the notion of the "seven-year itch." However, experts suggest a notable shift in this pattern, with many couples now choosing to separate after their children have grown and become independent. This phenomenon is sometimes linked to "empty-nest syndrome," which can bring long-standing marital issues to the forefront.
Financial considerations may also contribute to later-life divorces. Couples who have accumulated sufficient wealth over two decades may find it more feasible to establish separate households and divide assets, including pensions, equitably.
Psychologists note an increasing trend of "grey divorce" among individuals over 50. This trend is often attributed not to a single triggering event, but rather to the accumulation of unresolved issues, evolving personal priorities, and a desire for individual fulfillment later in life. "Women have a lot more financial stability and flexibility in their lives, and we’re paying more attention to our mental health than ever before. We’re no longer relegated to having to remain in a marriage for financial stability," explained Dr. Chivonna Childs of the Cleveland Clinic.
This shift is reflected in the average duration of marriages ending in divorce, which has risen from 10.7 years in 2000 to 13 years last year, the highest level on record. The trend is also evident in high-profile separations, with several celebrity couples recently announcing divorces after 20 or more years of marriage, including Tess Daly and Vernon Kay (22 years), Natasha Kaplinsky (20 years), Hugh Bonneville and Lulu Williams (25 years), and Colin Firth and Livia Giuggioli (22 years).