UAE: Why more couples are going in for grey divorce?

Dubai: Grey divorce, referring to divorce among couples aged 50 and older, is on the rise globally, according to a senior legal expert.

Speaking to Gulf News, Nita Maru, Managing Partner/Lawyer of TWS Legal Consultants, Dubai, said there were a number of factors why this was happening.

Discussing the main reasons, she said, “To begin with, people are living longer, leading some to reconsider spending their later years in unfulfilling marriages.”

According to her, couples in this demographic often reassess personal goals and prioritise happiness, independence and self-fulfilment over traditional notions of staying together “forever”.

“With children leaving home, some couples realise they no longer share common interests or emotional connections. Increased financial security, particularly among women, empowers individuals to make life-changing decisions like divorce,” she said, noting, “The stigma around divorce has also reduced significantly, making it more socially acceptable for older couples to part ways.”

Analysing some cases of grey divorce in the UAE, Maru said differences in upbringing, traditions, and backgrounds can become more apparent over time, especially in later years when couples reflect on their lives.

Financial, legal concerns

There are financial pressures and legacy concerns too. “For some expatriate couples, financial pressures or disagreements over property, inheritance, and retirement planning amplify existing marital strains.

She also pointed to legal and cultural shifts with couples finding more accessible legal solutions while contemplating separation.

Maru said grey divorce presents unique challenges that require careful navigation.

Key among them are the financial repercussions. “The division of assets, pensions, and savings can significantly impact retirement plans. For expats in the UAE, complications may arise due to jurisdictional issues. So couples should seek professional advice early to structure fair settlements and safeguard future financial security. A detailed financial roadmap can help minimise long-term consequences.”

She also spoke of the impact on adult children. “Even though children may be grown, grey divorces can strain family dynamics, especially regarding inheritance and caregiving responsibilities. Transparent communication and estate planning, including updated Wills, can ease tensions and ensure clarity for future generations,” she noted.

There is also an emotional toll. “Ending a long-term marriage can lead to feelings of isolation and grief, particularly when social circles are intertwined. Emotional well-being should be prioritised with the support of counselling, family, and friends. Compassionate legal representation can also help mitigate the stress of the process,” Maru advised.

Giving the example of an expat man, aged 57 and his 55-year-old wife, she said, they decided to divorce due to divergent financial priorities post-retirement. Among the challenges they faced were division of assets, including villas in Dubai and pension funds abroad; emotional strain, as the wife had not been employed for over 20 years and lack of familiarity with UAE family law and its differences from their home country law.

“Post-divorce, the wife struggled with financial independence, relying initially on family support. The husband faced difficulties readjusting to a single life after decades of marriage. Currently though, both report that they have found stability: the wife has relocated back home to be closer to family, while the husband continues to live in UAE,” said Maru, adding that the couple had two adult children residing abroad.

In another example involving a mixed-nationality expat couple in their 60s, she said they were emotionally disconnected and had conflicting priorities for retirement.

Again, their main challenges included division of multiple properties in UAE and in their home country; disputes over spousal support, as the wife wanted to maintain a similar standard of living; and emotional stress, exacerbated by lack of mutual agreement.

“Both have moved forward since then. They have limited contact but express mutual respect for the decisions made,” she added.

Main reasons for grey divorce

• Longer lifespans

• Evolving expectations

• Empty Nest Syndrome

• Economic independence

• Changing stigma