The short version
- Data from the Office for National Statistics indicates that 26% of heterosexual divorces in England and Wales occurred after twenty years of marriage, surpassing the traditional five-to-nine-year peak.
- Legal experts attribute this delay to the high cost of living, which makes maintaining separate households financially prohibitive for many unhappy couples.
- Similar trends are emerging in the United States, where grey divorce rates have doubled since the 1990s, raising concerns about financial security and social well-being for older adults.
Official records from England and Wales indicate a significant shift in marital dissolution patterns, with long-term unions increasingly ending after two decades rather than during the early years of marriage. Data released by the Office for National Statistics reveals that 26% of all divorces involving opposite-sex couples in 2025 followed twenty or more years of matrimony. This figure exceeds the proportion of separations occurring between five and nine years, a period traditionally associated with the so-called seven-year itch. The five-to-nine-year bracket accounted for 23% of cases, marking only the second time in recorded history that this early-stage category has fallen to second place.
The average duration of marriages ending in divorce reached a historic high of thirteen years in 2025, up from a low of 8.9 years recorded in 1985. This upward trend suggests that couples are remaining legally married for longer periods before seeking separation. While the five-to-nine-year peak has dominated divorce statistics since records began in 1963, the recent surge in late-stage divorces highlights a changing demographic reality. The mid-1980s saw a similar disruption when legislation reduced the minimum marriage term required for divorce from three years to one, but the current shift appears driven by different socioeconomic factors.
Legal professionals suggest that economic hardship is a primary driver behind this delay. Many couples reportedly stay together despite marital dissatisfaction because they cannot afford the financial burden of establishing two separate households. The rising cost of living has made the prospect of splitting assets and maintaining dual residences particularly daunting. Divorce attorneys note that significant financial pressure discourages many individuals from pursuing legal separation, even when relationships have deteriorated. This economic constraint effectively extends the lifespan of unhappy marriages until couples can secure sufficient resources to part ways.
Beyond financial considerations, family dynamics play a crucial role in prolonging marriages. Lawyers observe that many partners remain together for the sake of their children, waiting until offspring reach adulthood before initiating divorce proceedings. This strategy allows families to maintain stability during formative years but results in a concentration of separations later in life. The decision to delay divorce often involves complex trade-offs between immediate financial security and long-term personal fulfillment. As children leave home, the practical reasons for staying together diminish, allowing couples to address underlying relationship issues.
This phenomenon is not unique to the United Kingdom. Research from the Pew Research Center indicates that divorces among adults over fifty have doubled in the United States since the 1990s. Sociologists note that changing cultural attitudes toward marriage contribute to this trend. In many progressive regions, staying married for life is no longer viewed as the ultimate measure of adult success. Older adults feel less societal pressure to remain in unhappy unions and more permission to prioritize their own well-being during their later years.
However, late-life divorce carries distinct risks. Studies show that individuals who divorce after twenty years often face greater financial insecurity compared to those who remain married or become widowed. Women are particularly vulnerable to economic hardship following grey divorce, as they may have lower lifetime earnings and fewer retirement savings. Men also experience negative consequences, including reduced satisfaction with their social lives when living alone at older ages. The financial and emotional toll of splitting assets after decades of shared history can be substantial.
High-profile separations reflect these broader societal trends. Several prominent figures recently ended long-term marriages, including television presenter Tess Daly and actor Hugh Bonneville, who split after more than two decades together. These public examples underscore the prevalence of late-stage marital breakdowns across different social strata. While celebrity cases attract media attention, they mirror the experiences of ordinary citizens navigating complex financial and emotional landscapes.
The implications of this shift extend beyond individual households. As more couples divorce later in life, legal systems must adapt to handle complex asset divisions and pension splits. Financial planners are increasingly advising clients to consider the potential for late-life separation when structuring retirement plans. Understanding these trends helps policymakers and service providers anticipate the needs of an aging population facing changing family structures.
Looking ahead, the trajectory of divorce rates may continue to evolve as economic conditions fluctuate. If inflation remains high, more couples may delay separation, further skewing statistics toward longer marriage durations. Conversely, if financial pressures ease, there could be a surge in previously postponed divorces. Monitoring these patterns provides valuable insights into how economic stability influences personal relationships and family dynamics.
Ultimately, the rise in long-term divorces reflects broader changes in how society views marriage, money, and aging. Couples are redefining commitment in an era where financial independence and personal fulfillment take precedence over traditional expectations. As legal frameworks and social norms continue to adapt, the landscape of marital dissolution will likely remain dynamic, requiring ongoing analysis and support for those navigating these transitions.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗Forget the seven-year itch: opposite-sex marriages more likely to end after two decades
