Late-Life Divorce: Al and Tipper Gore

Al and Tipper Gore made the shocking announcement that they are going to separate after 40 years of marriage.  This separation comes as such a surprise not only because Al and Tipper seemed to epitomize wedded bliss, but also because they are splitting up at such late stages in their lives.

Usually divorces occur either during the first two years of marriage or between the fifth and seventh year.  After a long- term marriage, such as Al and Tipper's, the couple's lives are intertwined-- the spouses share a home and there are children and grandchildren.  To most, a divorce at that point just seems inconvenient.

While some might scratch their heads at the thought of divorcing after the age of sixty, divorce lawyers are unmoved by the age at which Al and Tipper decided to part ways.  Divorce attorneys have recently been witnessing the steady increase in the divorce rate among people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s.

Due to developments in science and medicine, people's life spans have been extended.  These longer life spans encourage married couples to choose divorce so late in life.  These extra years are an opportunity to find someone new, to gain a sense of individual freedom, or to just enjoy one's retirement years without the unpleasantness of arguing with a spouse.

With longer and healthier lives, late-life divorces are growing to be more and more accepted.  Having been a well -known couple, Al and Tipper have enlightened the public and shed light on this developing trend.