The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that divorce rates for those aged between 40 and 44 have increased in the last few years. Between 2011 and 2012, there was a 0.5% rise in mid-life divorce cases in the UK, which may not sound like much until you consider that it equates to a massive 22,506 more people drawing an end to their relationships. In total, there were 118,140 divorces in the UK in 2012, compared to 117,588 in 2011.

The ONS also uncovered a number of other ‘divorce facts’ from the same period, including the following:

• 13 divorces an hour are currently granted in the UK
• The average age for a man to get divorced is 45
• The average age for a woman to divorce is 42
• The most common age to get a divorce was 40-44, followed by the 45-49 and then the 35-39 age group. Unsurprisingly, the least common age to divorce was under 27 years old
• 65% of divorces in 2012 were initiated by the wife

Mid-life divorce in Hollywood

Anyone who follows celebrity and tabloid news will also have spotted that the trend for divorce amongst middle-age couples seems to be reflected there too. There have been a spate of famous couples announcing divorces recently, from Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner to Kate Moss and Jamie Hince. Some, such as Affleck and Garner, plus musician Seal and supermodel Heidi Klum, who divorced in October 2014, had been together for nearly a decade and had many children together. Divorce may be a common part of the ‘celebrity story’, but these recent high-profile divorce cases could very well be a reflection of a trend that’s happening in society in general.

Choosing sides

One of the biggest issues facing couples if they separate in middle age, when they’ve built up a whole life together, including children and a network of mutual friends, is that those close to them feel caught in the middle. A divorce between a couple who are close friends with you and your spouse can be devastating for all involved, causing huge rifts between friendship groups as well as in the family. Some friends feel compelled to choose sides, while according to Denise Knowles, Relate relationship counsellor, others can start to take a closer look at their own marriages. Speaking to the Telegraph, she says:

“It’s like getting broody when all your friends are having children,”

“If your friends are getting divorced you can’t help but feel a sense that it could happen to you.”

If you are experiencing mid-life divorce and you need sensitive, expert advice or simply need to discuss your options, Tracey Miller Family Law Solicitors should be your first port of call. With years of professional experience in all aspects of divorce and family law, the team at Tracey Miller can help to guide you through to the other side of an inevitably difficult situation.