Lawyer says communication is key as silver separations rise (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Lawyer says communication is key as silver separations rise

7:30am Saturday 8th September 2012 in Local

OLDER couples should "talk before they walk" out on relationships warns a Wyre Forest lawyer following the release of statistics which show a surge in over 60 divorce rates.

Family lawyer Katherine Tippetts, associate at regional law firm MFG Solicitors, has spoken following the recent release of figures by the Office for National Statistics which show that in 2009 more than 11,500 over-60s were granted a divorce - a four per cent rise in only two years and the only age group where divorce rates are on the rise.

Ms Tippetts, an expert in matrimonial finance, believes the figures are not surprising as she says many pensioners discover they have little in common with each other once their children leave home.

She urged people looking to separate to communicate and think hard about emotional and financial decisions they may regret.

She said: “Divorce rates amongst the over-60 population here in the UK are on the rise and although I disagree with some commentators who have described the figures as a ‘major social revolution’, I strongly agree that communication must be pushed to the forefront.

“When children fly the nest older couples find that they have time for new things and often see a whole new lease of life. That is when cracks in relationships start to appear and cannot be smoothed over as people strive for a more independent life."

She added: “Couples must talk before they walk out on what can often be a 40-year relationship. If it cannot be saved then some planning, professional input and talking can certainly save further pain – emotionally and financially.”

Ms Tippetts added her firm’s specialist family team is dealing with a rising number of over-60 divorce cases across the Wyre Forest and urged couples who are considering a separation to seek legal advice.