Date Posted: June 23, 2025 2:41 am
Divorce rates have changed a lot from one generation to the next. Baby Boomers have seen the highest divorce rates, while Millennials get divorced much less often than Gen X and Boomers.
Millennials are waiting longer to get married, or skipping marriage altogether, which affects the numbers and reveals new attitudes about relationships.
Understanding these generational differences helps explain how family life and social expectations have shifted over time.
Today, Gen X couples are staying married more than Boomers did, but not as much as Millennials, who are setting new trends.
Each generation’s experiences with marriage and divorce look different.
Examining the choices and challenges faced by Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials reveals important lessons about how society is changing and what might come next for younger families.
Divorce rates have changed across generations due to various social, economic, and cultural influences.
Each generation approaches marriage and divorce with different values, habits, and financial realities.
Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, grew up in an era when marriage was expected at a relatively young age and was often viewed as a lifelong commitment.
Social pressure to marry early was strong, and divorce carried heavy stigma.
Gen X, coming of age in the 1970s and 1980s, saw shifting attitudes.
Divorce became more normalized, and people began waiting longer to marry.
Expectations of personal happiness and equality in relationships became more prominent.
Millennials stand out for their decision to delay marriage even further.
Many choose to cohabitate before marriage, with some statistics showing that almost half of Millennials have lived with a partner before getting married.
Their openness to premarital cohabitation and less traditional views on both marriage and divorce contribute to different divorce patterns compared to Boomers and Gen X.
Economic factors play a key role in shaping generational divorce trends.
Baby Boomers entered adulthood during decades of economic growth and stable jobs, which made early marriage more feasible.
Gen X faced an economy defined by layoffs, recessions, and the need for two-income households.
This increased financial pressure and changed expectations around marriage stability and roles.
Millennials often experience student loan debt, high housing costs, and unstable job markets.
Many postpone marriage due to these financial challenges.
They tend to marry later in life, and evidence suggests that waiting longer is correlated with a lower divorce rate among Millennials.
The economic reality shapes their relationship choices and likelihood of divorce, leading to distinctive generational divorce patterns.
Gray divorce, which refers to divorce among people aged 50 and older, has increased sharply in recent decades.
Baby boomers are at the heart of this shift, affecting everything from family life to retirement planning.
The divorce rate for Americans over 50 has more than doubled since the 1990s.
For those aged 55 to 64, rates have steadily climbed, and for people over age 65, the rate has tripled.
Baby boomers now have the highest divorce rates by age group, even as overall divorce in the U.S. has gone down.
Studies show that about 1 in 4 divorces today involves people 50 or older.
Among baby boomers specifically, the rise is even more dramatic; the group has experienced a significant increase in gray divorce rates.
Unlike younger generations, boomers often seek divorce after decades of marriage.
These changes shape household size, living arrangements, and family roles in later life.
Baby boomers cite specific reasons for divorcing in their later years.
Some common factors include:
Retirement can also bring new stress.
When couples spend more time together or have different goals for their later years, disagreements can become more difficult to avoid.
Health problems and changing needs can also strain relationships.
For many baby boomers, divorce is not about sudden problems but rather a slow buildup of issues.
After 20 or more years, a couple may simply feel that they want something different from life.
The trend is fueled by boomers’ distinct social attitudes and greater willingness to pursue happiness than prior generations, contributing to the causes of gray divorce.
Gray divorce often leads to unique legal and financial challenges. Dividing retirement accounts, pensions, and Social Security benefits becomes a top concern.
Individuals may also face reduced household income, higher living costs, and the need to rethink their retirement plans.
Health insurance coverage is another key issue, especially if one spouse relies on the other’s plan.
Property division can be complex after decades of marriage.
Deciding who stays in the family home or how to split long-held assets can require detailed negotiations.
There may also be estate planning concerns, such as updating wills and designating new beneficiaries.
Legal issues aren’t limited to finances. Some couples may need to reconsider arrangements for adult children or even grandchildren.
Because these divorces often occur later in life, mistakes in settlements can have lasting effects, making skilled legal guidance crucial.
Millennials are changing marriage norms—but legal preparation still matters. L. Hudspeth Family Law offers prenuptial guidance and peaceful planning tools. Contact us for a confidential consultation.
If you’re ready to get started, call us now!
Gen X saw a shift in divorce patterns, with a notable rise and later decrease as they aged.
Many experienced divorce during their midlife years, influenced by unique societal and personal factors.
Generation X, born between the mid-1960s and early 1980s, experienced high divorce rates during their thirties and forties.
As they reached adulthood in the 1990s, Gen Xers faced a divorce rate that was somewhat lower than that of Baby Boomers but still significant.
Estimates indicate that the peak divorce rate for Gen X was around 36%, which was higher than that of Millennials but lower than the roughly 40% rate among Boomers at their peak.
For many Gen Xers, the increase in midlife divorces reflected both changing social attitudes and new economic realities.
Unlike younger generations, Gen X married at relatively younger ages.
This earlier age at marriage often contributed to increased divorce risk, as couples faced career, family, and financial pressures.
Several challenges contributed to divorce among Gen X couples.
One of the main factors was conflicting expectations between partners around work-life balance.
Many Gen X households had both partners working full-time, leading to stress over childcare, finances, and household responsibilities.
This dual-income pressure differed from previous generations and added new kinds of strain to marriages.
Advances in technology, such as the rise of the internet, have changed social connections and communication, sometimes introducing new problems, including emotional distance and infidelity.
Personal debt, shifts in cultural norms, and a willingness to seek happiness outside marriage also played critical roles.
After experiencing traditional divorce, many Gen Xers have shifted toward mediation in their second marriages.
Mediation offers a less adversarial approach to ending a relationship.
It can save time and reduce stress for both partners.
Gen Xers appreciate the privacy and control that mediation provides, especially if they have children and want to avoid court battles.
This generation often values practical solutions over conflict.
Choosing mediation reflects their focus on effective communication and personal well-being.
Millennials are seeing lower divorce rates than both Generation X and Baby Boomers.
Many are delaying marriage, choosing partners carefully, and showing fresh habits that may help prevent divorce.
The U.S. divorce rate is now at a record low, and Millennials are a significant contributor to this trend.
Only about 1.4% of married adults divorced in 2023, a sharp drop compared to past decades.
Millennials are less likely to get married at a young age than previous generations.
Data shows Millennials’ marriage rate is just 26%, compared to 36% for Gen X and 48% for Baby Boomers.
Fewer marriages also mean fewer divorces; however, among those who are married, the chance of divorce is historically low.
The lower millennial divorce rate suggests a real shift in relationship stability and priorities.
Millennials often wait until their late twenties or early thirties to marry. Waiting longer means individuals are more mature, financially stable, and sure of their life goals.
Cohabitation before marriage is also common. This may help couples test compatibility and communication before making a long-term commitment.
Millennials place strong value on open communication, mental health, and shared responsibilities in relationships.
Social media and technology enable millennials to access support, counseling, and advice—tools that may help prevent problems from escalating.
Millennials are making careful, intentional choices about marriage. Many openly discuss finances, expectations, and even attend premarital counseling before marriage.
Setting clear boundaries and shared goals helps stop small issues from turning into major conflicts. A common millennial divorce prevention habit is to build a relationship on a foundation of friendship first.
This focus on compatibility and self-awareness may help explain why millennials are less likely to divorce than their parents’ generation.
Divorcing in midlife? Gen X couples often juggle kids, careers, and co-owned assets. L. Hudspeth Family Law helps you navigate this with clarity. Schedule your strategic case review today.
If you’re ready to get started, call us now!
Divorce patterns have shifted over the past decades, with each generation making different choices about marriage and separation.
Key differences can be observed in who gets married, the duration of marriages, and the frequency of divorces.
The table below highlights how divorce rates and marriage behaviors differ among generations:
| Generation | % Ever Married (by age 30) | Divorce Rate (per 1,000 married) | Marriage Attitude |
| Baby Boomers | 48% | ~18 | Married young, higher risk |
| Generation X | 36% | ~15-18 | Later marriage, moderate risk |
| Millennials | 26% | Lower than prior generations | Delayed or avoided marriage |
Baby Boomers married young and had the highest risk of divorce, especially compared to Millennials, who have the lowest marriage rates and are less likely to divorce so far. Gen X falls somewhere in between.
Marriage length also varies by generation, influencing the risk of divorce at different life stages. Baby Boomers often saw marriages last less than 20 years, but divorce rates for this group stayed high even later in life.
Generation X couples tend to stay married a bit longer before divorcing, with a significant risk in their late thirties and early forties.
Millennials, on the other hand, are getting married even later, which tends to lower the long-term risk of divorce.
Research shows Millennials are delaying marriage or avoiding it, resulting in longer single years and fewer short-lived marriages. Each generation’s pattern shifts the timeline and risk for divorce.
People facing divorce today need different types of legal and emotional support depending on their age group and life stage.
Changing family dynamics, financial priorities, and attitudes toward marriage have all shaped these support needs in unique ways.
Boomers often divorce later in life, a trend known as “gray divorce.” The primary issues include dividing retirement savings, distributing long-term investments, and managing health benefits.
Many in this group need help with detailed asset planning. This includes understanding pensions, stock portfolios, and real estate that have been built up over decades.
Losing or splitting these resources can strongly impact financial stability in retirement. Mediation for gray divorce is now a common practice, aiming to settle disputes fairly and efficiently.
Mediation often helps avoid lengthy court battles and protects private information. Baby Boomers value clear communication with professionals who can explain complex tax issues and assist with estate planning.
Boomers may also require support in coping with feelings of isolation that often accompany major life transitions. Access to counseling reflects the growing awareness that emotional health is crucial during late-life transitions.
Gen X tends to focus on parenting plans and shared custody agreements. These individuals are likely to have children at home, so prioritizing stability for kids is critical.
They often require legal support to create workable schedules that accommodate school, activities, and holidays. Many Gen Xers own businesses or have started side ventures.
They often need business asset protection, such as clear documentation of ownership and agreements about profits or future growth. This group values support from therapists or parenting coordinators.
Gen Xers often benefit from professional guidance on co-parenting or blending families after divorce.
Millennials tend to marry later and are more likely to seek flexible prenuptial or postnuptial agreements. These often address issues like debt, technology assets, and customized living arrangements.
Millennials prefer contracts they can modify if their lives change. Mental health is a major focus for this group.
Many want access to therapists who specialize in divorce and co-parenting, as well as easy-to-find online support groups. Emotional wellness tools and digital resources are in high demand.
Millennials are comfortable with virtual mediation and frequently utilize apps to manage communications and legal documents. This generation sees emotional support as equally important as legal help.
Each generation brings a unique approach to marriage and divorce. Baby Boomers have the highest divorce rate, especially among those over 55.
Since 1990, the divorce rate for people aged 55-64 has doubled. For those over 65, it has tripled.
Generation X experienced fewer marriages than the Baby Boomers, but still saw significant divorce rates.
Many Gen Xers held more traditional views about marriage. Their divorce patterns show a move toward accepting change.
Millennials tend to marry less often and at older ages.
Their marriage rate is just 26%, lower than Gen X (36%) and Boomers (48%).
Millennials are less likely to marry quickly and more likely to delay or avoid marriage, as indicated by the data on marriage rates by generation.
Here’s a brief comparison table:
| Generation | Marriage Rate | Divorce Trend |
| Baby Boomers | 48% | Highest, rising with age |
| Generation X | 36% | Moderate, shifting attitudes |
| Millennials | 26% | Lower, less likely to marry |
Gray divorce can bring unexpected financial and emotional hurdles. L. Hudspeth Family Law supports long-term couples through respectful mediation and asset planning. Reach out today to start the conversation.
Which generation has the highest divorce rate?
Baby Boomers have the highest divorce rate, especially in later life. Gray divorce—separation after age 50—has doubled since the 1990s, according to Bowling Green State University.
Why is divorce less common among Millennials?
Millennials are marrying later, cohabiting for longer periods, and prioritizing emotional compatibility. These factors contribute to a lower divorce rate compared to those of Gen X and the Baby Boomers.
What is the gray divorce rate in the U.S.?
As of 2025, more than 36% of all divorces involve people over 50, a trend largely driven by Baby Boomers ending long-term marriages.
Are Gen X couples still divorcing at high rates?
Gen X had the highest divorce rates in the 1990s and early 2000s, but current trends show many are now seeking alternative dispute resolution like mediation for second marriages.
What percentage of Millennials are married by age 30?
Only about 26% of Millennials are married by the time they reach age 30, compared to 48% of Boomers at the same age. This shift affects long-term divorce trends.
How has the attitude toward marriage changed across generations?
Baby Boomers married young and often viewed marriage as a lifelong commitment. Millennials tend to delay or avoid marriage, viewing it as a personal choice rather than a milestone in life.
Does delayed marriage reduce divorce risk?
Yes. Data from the National Marriage Project shows that marrying later, especially after age 28, is associated with lower divorce rates across all generations.
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