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Merseyside law firm sees divorce rates rise for over-60s

Local law firm, Maxwell Hodge has revealed a rising number of divorces in people over 60.

This comes after a recent report from the Office for National Statistics, which showed an increase in the number of over-60s in England and Wales who are getting divorced.

The trend, which began in the 1990s, contrasts with the falling divorce rate among the rest of the population.

Michael Pratt, divorce lawyer at Maxwell Hodge said: “Nationally this increase has been recognised but we have seen more divorces across the older generation in Merseyside over the past few years.

“One explanation is an ageing population, but factors such as more financial independence for women and loss of stigma around being divorced have also contributed to this rise.”

Between 1991 and 2011, divorce rates have fallen for men from 13.6 per 1000 to 10.8. This trend was similar for women.

Over the same period for married men over 60, the divorce rate has risen from 1.6 per 1000 to 2.3. There were 1.2 divorces per 1,000 married women over 60 in 1991, rising to 1.6 in 2011.

Michael said: “Longer life expectancies mean it is becoming more likely that a marriage will end in divorce than from the death of one spouse than it was in the early 90s, leading to fewer stigmas. It also means that people wish to pursue other relationships rather than feeling bound to stay together.

“An increase in the employment rate for women means that more women have become financially independent, with their own pensions, and are able to support themselves more easily outside of marriage.

“Also playing a part in more divorces among the over-60s is the ‘empty nest syndrome’, when children go to university or college, as it can force an impact on the couples dynamic.

“This increase is surprising, considering that in general divorce rates have fallen in the UK. However, these days if people are unhappy at 60 they feel more compelled to do something about it. Everyone is entitled to a new start whatever their age or circumstance.”

Maxwell Hodge is one of the region’s leading law firms, comprising eight offices across Merseyside with a city centre office in the heart of Liverpool’s business district. Contact them on 0800 6946 660 or e-mail info@maxweb.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Dan Minchin .