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Such separations or divorces that are acted on after more than 20 years of marriage when the couple is in their 40s or 50s is commonly known as ‘grey divorce’ or ‘silver splitting’
As per reports, Virender Sehwag and wife Aarti Ahlawat are reportedly separated after 20 years of marriage. (News18 Hindi)
From Kamal Haasan-Sarika to Arbaaz Khan-Malaika Arora, AR Rahman-Saira Banu and now possibly Virender Sehwag-Aarti Ahlawat… the instances of celebrity couples going through late divorces is not new in India but has been on the rise for the past few years. Such separations or divorces that are acted on after more than 20 years of marriage when the couple is in their 40s or 50s is commonly known as ‘grey divorce’ or ‘silver splitting’.
What Is A Grey Divorce?
In essence, grey divorce refers to the process of ending a marriage later in life. It is the trend where individuals aged 50 and above decide to dissolve their marriages. In the past, grey divorces were rare within the Indian community. However, nowadays, with women achieving greater financial independence, it has become more common. This newfound independence allows them to exit marriages that lack personal happiness and fulfilment, seeking relief from ongoing disputes.
Factors That Lead To Such Divorces
- Empty nest transitions: When children leave home, some couples realise they’ve grown apart or have different life goals.
- Increased life expectancy: With longer lifespans, people are less willing to remain in unfulfilling relationships.
- Financial independence: Particularly among women, greater economic self-sufficiency has made divorce more feasible.
- Changing social attitudes: Reduced stigma around divorce has made it more socially acceptable at any age.
Implications of Grey Divorce
The implications of grey divorce are often complex and distinct from younger divorces:
- Financial impact: Dividing assets close to retirement can significantly affect both parties’ retirement plans.
- Social relationships: Long-established friend groups and family dynamics often need to be renegotiated.
- Health considerations: The stress of divorce can have greater health implications for older adults.
- Living arrangements: Finding new housing and establishing independent households can be challenging.
Legal Issues Related to Grey Divorce
Grey divorce often differs from divorces occurring in the age range of 30 to 40. This is largely because both partners typically contribute to the household income over two to three decades, leading to the accumulation of significant shared assets. As a result, there are legal complications regarding asset division. Furthermore, the court assesses factors such as alimony and retirement benefits.
In India, divorces are legally processed in court under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1954. For grey divorce cases, factors like the marriage duration, the ages and health of both partners, and their financial situations are considered when deciding on alimony.
