Fastest Growing Segment
Gray Divorce Statistics
Comprehensive analysis of divorce among those 50 and older - the fastest-growing divorce demographic. Gray divorce has increased 28% since 2020 and now represents 28% of all divorces, up from just 10% in 1990.
Divorces among Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) are driving this trend as they reach retirement age with diverging goals, longer life expectancies, and reduced stigma around late-life divorce.
Growth Rate
+28%since 2020
Fastest growing segment
% of All Divorces
28%are 50+ couples
Was 10% in 1990
Average Settlement
$89,500median assets
4x younger divorces
Women Initiating
66%file first
Financial independence
Gray Divorce Growth (1990-2025)
Gray divorce has nearly tripled as a percentage of all divorces over the past 35 years. This trend is projected to continue as Baby Boomers age and life expectancies increase.
| Year | % of All Divorces | Total Divorces | Gray Divorces |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 10% | 1,175,000 | 117,500 |
| 2000 | 15% | 944,000 | 141,600 |
| 2010 | 19% | 872,000 | 165,680 |
| 2020 | 22% | 630,505 | 138,711 |
| 2024 | 25% | 668,000 | 167,000 |
| 2025* | 28% | 665,000 | 186,200 |
Why Gray Divorce is Rising
Multiple factors contribute to the surge in late-life divorces, from longer life expectancies making "until death" 30-40+ years to reduced stigma and financial independence.
| Reason | % Citing | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Growing apart / different life goals | 47% | Retirement reveals incompatibility |
| Infidelity | 28% | Second-life affairs common |
| Financial disagreements | 26% | Retirement planning conflicts |
| Empty nest syndrome | 22% | Children no longer keeping couple together |
| Health issues of spouse | 18% | Caregiver burnout |
| Substance abuse (late onset) | 12% | Retirement drinking increase |
| Long-suppressed unhappiness | 34% | Finally free to leave |
Unique Financial Impacts of Gray Divorce
Gray divorce is significantly more expensive than younger divorces due to accumulated assets, retirement accounts, pensions, and complex property division. Average settlements are $89,500, nearly 4x higher than younger couples.
| Financial Impact | Severity | Description | Typical Cost/Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retirement Account Division | Critical | 401(k) and IRA division via QDRO can cut retirement in half | $45,000-$125,000 |
| Social Security Implications | High | 10+ year marriages qualify for spousal benefits | $500-$1,500/month |
| Home Equity Division | Critical | Often largest marital asset, 30+ years of appreciation | $250,000-$500,000 |
| Healthcare Coverage Loss | High | Losing spouse's health insurance before Medicare (65) | $800-$1,600/month |
| Pension Division | Critical | Defined benefit pensions split, reducing monthly income | $1,000-$3,000/month |
The Retirement Security Crisis
Divorcing at 50+ can devastate retirement security. Splitting a 401(k) accumulated over 30+ years means both parties have half the retirement savings with less time to rebuild. Many women who divorced in their 50s-60s face poverty in retirement.
- Average retirement account split: $125,000 per person (vs $250,000 combined)
- Women's income drops 45% on average post-gray divorce
- Men's income drops 21% on average
- Both face higher housing costs living separately
Gray Divorce by Age Range
Most gray divorces occur in the 50-54 age range (32%), often triggered by empty nest syndrome or early retirement planning disagreements.
| Age Range | % of Gray Divorces | Divorce Rate | Common Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50-54 | 32% | 14.8 per 1,000 | Post-empty nest |
| 55-59 | 28% | 13.5 per 1,000 | Pre-retirement pivot |
| 60-64 | 22% | 11.2 per 1,000 | Retirement transition |
| 65-69 | 12% | 8.4 per 1,000 | Early retirement issues |
| 70+ | 6% | 5.2 per 1,000 | Later life changes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gray divorce?
Gray divorce refers to divorces among couples age 50 and older. It's the fastest-growing divorce demographic, up 28% since 2020, driven by Baby Boomers reaching retirement age with diverging goals and longer life expectancies making "until death" 30-40+ years.
Why is gray divorce increasing?
Multiple factors: (1) Longer life expectancies (30-40+ years together), (2) Empty nest revealing incompatibility, (3) Retirement goal divergence, (4) Reduced stigma, (5) Women's financial independence, (6) Second-life affairs, and (7) Health issues creating caregiver burden.
How does gray divorce affect retirement?
Gray divorce can devastate retirement security. Splitting a 401(k) built over 30+ years means both parties have half with less time to rebuild. Women's income drops 45% on average, men's drops 21%. Many face poverty in retirement, especially women who sacrificed careers.
What age has the most gray divorces?
Ages 50-54 represent 32% of gray divorces, followed by 55-59 (28%). These ages coincide with empty nest periods and early retirement planning, when couples often realize they have diverging life goals and no children keeping them together.
Cite This Page
Splitifi. "Gray Divorce Statistics: 50+ Divorce Rates, Trends & Financial Impact." Splitifi.com, February 2026, https://www.mysplitifi.com/statistics/gray-divorce-statisticsFull Data Access
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