Divorcees are more likely to be “silver-splitters” than young couples.

That’s according to Huddersfield solicitors Eaton Smith, who have claimed divorce rates are at their lowest for 40 years.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics revealed the drop, despite a recent rise in marriages and pre-nups.

The first working day of January is typically known to solicitors as “Divorce Day” after families argue and split during the Christmas period.

But the latest figures suggest that although divorce rates are on a low, it’s an entirely different picture for older generations.

More than 60,000 people who divorced in England and Wales in 2013 were over 50 according the figures, a rise of 11 per cent.

Eaton Smith family law expert Mike Webb, said: “Older couples may have less to worry about in relation to the impact of divorce on children, but dividing finances will probably cause more concern, as they are more likely to be asset-rich with valuable pensions.”

Eaton Smith family solicitor Mike Webb

Along with the fluctuation in divorce rates, the Law Society has reported a rise in enquiries for pre-nuptial agreements.

Commentators suggest this is down to parents investing in housing to get their children on the property ladder, which they wish to protect from any future dividing of assets.

Mike added: “It’s a hard decision at any time of year and at any stage of marriage, but perhaps the most important thing for any couple is to consider children first and to avoid finger pointing as they go through the process.

“It may be necessary to set out unreasonable behaviour in the divorce petition, but when it comes to dividing up the family finances, the Courts are generally not interested in the cause of the breakdown of the marriage or a spouse’s behaviour.”