Why People Get Divorced in Their 40’s

When you reach the age of 40, many of your friends, relatives and co-workers might joke that you’re “over the hill.” By this point, many people have gotten married, hold steady jobs and have a child or two. However, there is a rising number of married people in their 40s who have decided they want divorces. Why would they choose to forego the stability of married life in their middle age? Read on to learn more about why people get divorced in their 40s.

Longer Lifespans

The average lifespan for Canadians is rising. If you were born in 2012, you could expect to live to the age of 80 if you’re a man and 84 if you’re a woman.

Even if you weren’t born in 2012, you can still expect to live for quite a while. As a result of longer lifespans, fewer people are opting to stay in marriages they feel aren’t working. They don’t want to be as miserable as they are now in 40 years.

Expectations Change

What you wanted out of life in your 20s is likely different than what you want in your 40s. And it’s quite probable that your expectations of your spouse aren’t the same.

A common cause of divorce amongst people in their 40s is that what they want out of life, and what they want out of their spouse, has changed. But, their spouse hasn’t changed. And now, they want to move on.

Cheating

While cheating isn’t a problem confined to forty-somethings, it can be the impetus to end a relationship. The spouse doing the cheating could decide to end the marriage, or the spouse being cheated on could decide he or she doesn’t want to be with a philanderer.

For the cheater, he or she might conclude that life is too short to be unhappy with his or her spouse, so it’s better to leave. The spouse who’s been cheated on feels hurt and betrayed, and no longer wants to be with someone who doesn’t value their relationship.

Work with the Right Divorce Lawyer for the Right Outcome

Ending a marriage is never easy. Unfortunately, the most complex cases can drag on for months or even years. A divorce lawyer is going to help you navigate the complicated and frustrating legal process of divorce, which is invaluable during this often stressful period in your life.

If you’re looking for support and expert legal representation during this difficult time, our team at Galbraith Family Law can help sort things out and get you results.  Contact us today for a consultation.

Related: 

How to File For Divorce 

Types of Grounds for Divorce

Contested vs Uncontested Divorce