LCF Law Reports Sharp Rise In ‘Silver Splitter’ Divorces
A leading Harrogate based law firm has reported a significant increase in the number of older couples divorcing, which reflects a wider national trend towards later-life relationship breakdown.
LCF Law says it has seen a marked rise in “silver splitters” who are couples aged 60 and over that are divorcing after long marriages, often spanning 30 years or more. The trend comes despite overall divorce rates falling. However, national data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows divorces among those aged 65 and over rising steadily over the past decade.
The firm’s family law team, which operates across Bradford, Leeds, Harrogate and Ilkley, says more clients are reassessing relationships in later life as attitudes to divorce continue to shift and people live longer, healthier lives.
Harjit Rait, partner and head of family law at LCF Law, said the increase was being driven by a combination of social, emotional and financial factors. She said: “We are seeing a clear rise in couples coming to us later in life, often after decades of marriage. Many of these clients never imagined they would be considering divorce in their 60s or 70s, but longer life expectancy and changing attitudes mean people are less willing to stay in unhappy or unfulfilling relationships.
“For some, retirement, children leaving home or major life changes prompt a reassessment of what they want from the next chapter of their lives. These decisions are rarely taken lightly, particularly where there are adult children and complex financial arrangements.”
Harjit added that later-life divorces can present unique challenges, including pensions, property, inheritance planning and the emotional impact on adult children. “Silver splitter divorces are often legally and emotionally complex,” she said. “There may be family businesses, multiple properties or pensions built up over many years. Just as importantly, adult children can find their parents’ separation deeply unsettling, even though they are grown up and have left home.”
LCF Law’s family lawyers are increasingly supporting clients through the emotional turmoil as well as the legal aspects of separation, helping families navigate the process with clarity and sensitivity.
Harjit said: “Our role is to make sure everything is dealt with properly from a legal perspective, but also to support clients through what can be an extremely difficult transition. Each family’s situation is different, and it’s vital that people feel listened to and fully understand their options.”
LCF Law’s family department advises on all aspects of family and matrimonial law, including divorce, separation, financial settlements, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation agreements and matters relating to children.
LCF Law is an award-winning full-service law firm, operating regionally, nationally and internationally, with over 145 people across offices in Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate and Ilkley.
