Why Are More Women Choosing to Divorce Later in Life?~ 2 min read

More older women are choosing divorce later in life because they want independence, feel their concerns have gone unheard, or decide that after their children have left home that their marriage no longer works. These decisions to get a divorce often come after years of trying to make their marriage work and are about growth and change rather than blaming their spouse.

Life After the Children Leave

For many couples, children have been the center of their family life for decades. Once the children leave home, a couple may find that they have little in common. Women often describe realizing that their marriage is no longer fulfilling once the daily responsibilities of parenting are gone. Without those shared routines, long-standing differences can come to the surface.

Waiting Until the Time Feels Right

Some women choose to wait until their children have reached certain milestones, such as graduating from high school or finishing college, before deciding that it is time to file for divorce. They may have been unhappy for years but wanted to keep the family together until they felt their children were ready to handle the change. Once that point arrives, they feel free to take the next step.

Years of Carrying the Load

Another common theme is that women often feel that they have been carrying the bulk of the childcare and household work, even when they are also working outside the home. Over time, this can lead to exhaustion and resentment. Some women describe feeling as though they are not only caring for their children but also for their husbands, almost in a parental role. By the time the children are grown, they are no longer willing to continue in that pattern.

Feeling Unheard or Ignored

Many women say they have repeatedly asked for things to change over the years. They have voiced concerns about needing more support, more partnership, or simply a desire to be heard. In many cases, their husbands did not take the requests seriously, just assuming that the marriage would continue. By the time the women decide to leave, they feel that too much time has passed and they no longer want to keep trying.

Not Just About Women

While women may initiate divorce more often later in life, men can experience the same frustrations. Sometimes husbands feel blindsided when their wives decide to leave, even though the concerns have been raised for years. Divorce at this stage is often less about blame and more about a recognition that the marriage no longer supports their needs.

Contact Family Ally

If you are thinking about divorcing later in life, having the right support can make all the difference. Family Ally is here to guide you through each step with care and understanding. Contact Jennifer Piper at 314-449-9800 to schedule a consultation.

Family Ally is located at 130 S. Bemiston Ave., Suite 608, St. Louis, MO 63105.