Divorces among couples married for 20 years or more have become the most common in England and Wales, according to recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In 2025, over a quarter—26 percent—of opposite-sex divorces involved couples who had been married for two decades or longer, surpassing the historically prevalent "seven-year itch" period, traditionally considered the most common time for marital breakdowns.
The figures show that out of 102,879 heterosexual divorces last year, 23 percent occurred among couples married between five and nine years, marking the first time since records began in 1963 that the mid-length category of five to nine years was exceeded by divorces among long-term marriages. The shift reflects a broader trend; the average duration of marriages that ended in divorce reached 13 years in 2025—the highest on record and up from a low of 8.9 years in 1985.
Experts suggest several factors underpin this shift. Divorce lawyers indicate that many couples may remain together through the children's upbringing, delaying separation until later in life. Lisa Pepper, a lawyer at Osbornes Law, noted that the largest share of cases she encounters involve long marriages and that staying together for the sake of children remains a key reason.
Supporting this view, Jeremy Todd from Coram Family Lives, a family support helpline, highlighted the impact of "empty nest syndrome," observing that the departure of children often reveals underlying issues in long-term relationships, leading to separation once the shared parenting bond weakens.
The trend appears to be mirrored internationally. A Pew Research Center study from the United States found that divorces after 20 years have doubled since the 1990s. Researchers caution, however, that "grey divorcees"—those divorcing later in life—tend to face financial challenges, particularly women, and that living alone at older ages may impact social satisfaction and financial security.
Additional analysis from a U.S. law firm indicated societal shifts contribute to the trend. With reduced stigma around divorce, especially in progressive regions, older adults with sufficient financial means increasingly feel empowered to leave unhappy marriages and seek fulfillment during their later years.
The rising cost of living has also influenced divorce patterns in England and Wales. Rebecca Aston-Jones, a senior associate at the law firm Clarke Willmott, explained that financial pressures linked to maintaining separate households may discourage some couples from splitting despite marital difficulties, contributing to marriages lasting longer before ending in divorce.
Several high-profile separations have recently brought attention to the "20-year itch." Notable examples include former Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly and Vernon Kay ending their marriage after 22 years, Downton Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville separating from his wife after 25 years, and the split of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban after nearly two decades together.
These developments reflect evolving marital dynamics, where longer durations before divorce are becoming increasingly common in England, Wales, and abroad, influenced by social, economic, and familial factors.