Divorce after 20 years

26% of opposite-sex divorces in England and Wales in 2025 involved couples married 20+ years.

Longer marriage trend

26% of divorces in 2025 followed 20+ years of marriage, up from 23% after 5-9 years.

Children leaving home

Children growing up and leaving home changes family dynamics for couples.

Empty-nest syndrome

Parents stay together for children but face relationship issues after children leave home.

“Parents stay together for the sake of the children. Often empty-nest syndrome is the big reveal that there’s nothing really that’s keeping the couple together once their shared parenting has gone.”

Financial factors

Couples may find separation more affordable after accumulating wealth.

Legal aid cuts

Legal aid for family matters cut in 2013 makes divorce more expensive.

High-profile separations

Tess Daly and Vernon Kay split after 22 years of marriage.

“Tess Daly and Vernon Kay announced their separation earlier this year after 22 years of marriage”