The real reasons behind the silver separations surge

Are infuriating habits like snoring and gunged up topless toothpastes prompting the over 60s to separate in their droves?

You would certainly think so if you looked at the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics which reveal that in 2009 there were 4,500 more divorces in the UK between people aged 60 and over compared to 2007.

According to former marriage guidance counsellor and author Hilary Boyd, many divorces are attributable to bad behaviour over habits such as nail clippings and false teeth – which can send the blood pressures of even the most mild-mannered soaring.

One reason may be that when couples have been through thick and thin together for four or more decades, it’s not uncommon that what appears on surface level to be trivial can finally drive a wedge through the most robust partnerships.

However, on the positive side Hilary’s research unearthed that couples who undergo trial separations often rather surprisingly get back together – avoiding the trauma of divorce and court proceedings.

Amicable outcomes wherever possible are ones which we at Jones Myers LLP champion vociferously as specialists in providing sympathetic expert advice on wide-ranging family law issues. We are also closely involved with counsellors and life coaches who support our clients in these traumatic times.

We understand and empathise with the pressures facing couples who become ‘empty nesters’. Having hardly a spare moment for themselves – or each other – for the first 2-3 decades of their married lives due to bringing up their children, many then face the often daunting prospect of spending every waking moment together.

In our experience, some couples relish the opportunity to revitalise their romance and get to know each other all over again while others’ squabbles gain momentum until, like a volcano, their relationship inevitably erupts.

Our professional and empathetic team supports clients by providing professional advice whilst maintaining a sensitive and caring relationship. We are strong believers in the success of mediation and collaborative family law – both of which are highly successful and alternative approaches to resolving issues arising from separation.

For more information on how we can help you, please contact us here.