Experience. Results. Compassion.

Is divorce over 50 right for you?

On Behalf of | May 10, 2022 | Divorce

Some things require immediate action, and others you can postpone for a later time, especially if something more important needs your attention. Perhaps you have put off plans for divorce because the time and circumstances were never quite right. Now that you are retired or nearing the age of retirement, you may be like many spouses who feel you have reached the right time in your life to end your marriage. 

The fact is that the rate of divorce among couples over the age of 50 has nearly doubled in the past generation. Analysts have several theories about why the trend of gray divorces has spiked in recent years. 

Why the rise in gray divorces? 

There is no question that times have changed. Topics that were once taboo are now part of everyday conversation. In this fresh mindset, divorce is no longer a dirty word. In fact, by the time your generation reaches retirement, many have already had at least one previous divorce. What are the reasons that so many are divorcing after age 50? Research suggests the following factors: 

  • People have longer life expectancies and don’t want to stay with their spouses — potentially for another 30 years. 
  • Better health care allows for more adventure later in life. 
  • Recent isolation from health scare quarantines have added stress to already unhappy marriages. 
  • Women no longer depend on their spouses for financial security. 
  • Those who have already gone through divorces are not afraid of the process. 

Of course, the most common excuse to stay together is the children. However, with the kids grown and on their own, unhappy couples may have no more excuses to stay together. 

What’s your next step? 

Any of these reasons or a combination of reasons may be what is prompting you to consider ending your marriage. However, the potential outcome of divorcing late in life will perhaps be more important than the reasons why. If this is not your first divorce, you probably have additional complications to consider. 

You will want to be certain not to leave yourself with financial struggles at a time when you have few resources to overcome them. This often begins with building a strong team to assist you through the divorce process. Fighting to get your fair share of marital assets and any support you may deserve will be an important part of minimizing post-divorce stress and financial anxiety. 

Categories

Archives