Jo’s comments were published in eprivateclient, 6 March 2026, and can be seen here.
Jo Carr-West, Partner in our Family & Relationships department, explores the rise in divorces among people over 50 and the key issues advisers need to understand.
The growing rise in divorce among people over 50, an age group that now accounts for more than a third of all divorces in England and Wales reflects longer life expectancy, shifting social attitudes and changing marriage patterns, often described as “grey divorce”. For many couples, the prospect of spending another two or three decades in an unhappy relationship becomes increasingly untenable once children have left home or retirement approaches.
Later‑life divorce brings a distinct set of challenges. By this stage, couples will often have accumulated significant assets and made long‑term financial decisions that are not easily reversed. One partner may have stepped back from their career to prioritise family life, considerable funds may have been committed to school fees or property, and ongoing obligations may still exist towards adult children or elderly parents. Rebuilding financial security can be difficult due to reduced earning capacity in later life.
Jo highlights that integrated legal and financial advice is essential in these circumstances. She explains that family lawyers and financial planners bring different but complementary expertise: lawyers focus on the structure and fairness of settlements, while financial advisers stress‑test proposals through cash‑flow modelling, tax considerations and scenario planning. This collaboration ensures that settlements are both legally sound and financially sustainable, helping to prevent unexpected income gaps or liquidity issues later.
Jo emphasises that the sequencing of decisions in later‑life divorce is critical. The family home often the most emotionally charged asset may need to be sold earlier than planned, with proceeds divided between two households. Mortgage options may be limited by age, employment status or proximity to retirement. Jo notes that without careful structuring, what appears to be a fair settlement on paper may prove unworkable in practice, making joined‑up professional advice vital for clients navigating this significant life transition.
Read the full article on the eprivateclient website, [external link].