It used to be that older couples took their wedding vows very seriously -- and even if things weren't as happy as they could be -- couples simply stuck together. However, now many are realizing that they do not have to stay in an unhappy marriage, and are instead deciding to file for divorce.

Baby boomer couples currently make up four out of every 10 divorces. According to the National Center for Family and Marriage, in 1990 baby boomer couples made up just one out of every 10 divorces.

In the majority of these divorces, it's also the wife who wants out of the marriage. Often times these women reach age 50, and have more of a zest for life than ever before. This sudden burst of energy can than negatively collided with a husband who more wants to sit back and relax.

Also, when looking at factors that have changed over the past 20 years, it's important to realize that more and more women are career driven. This means that they can financially support themselves. This coupled with the fact that the kids have grown and moved out of the house, leads some to seek a happier life outside of their marriage.

Of course, regardless of what transpired to lead to wanting a divorce, if you are thinking about ending your marriage -- or have already split up -- it's important to recognize that divorce is legally binding, and can be rather confusing when it comes to dividing marital assets. Fortunately, a family law attorney can be of great assistance when it comes to making decisions that will continue to impact you after the marriage is officially over.

Source: Palm Beach Post, "After age 50, women are divorcing at double the rate of 20 years ago," Barbara Marshall, Feb. 7, 2012