The Beatles asked: “Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m 64?” Today, the answer increasingly is “no.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, many older adults are finding that instead of forcing themselves to stay in marriages that are no longer working, it makes more sense to end their marriages and find their independence. This concept of divorcing later in life is sometimes called a \u201cgray divorce\u201d. But what exactly is the meaning of a gray divorce?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By definition, gray divorce is getting a divorce after 50 years of age. These cases are also sometimes known as “empty-nest divorces” or “silver separations.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over the past few decades, divorce in this population has grown dramatically. According to a recent study published by the National Center for Family & Marriage Research, “the divorce rate among adults ages 50 and older doubled between 1990 and 2010.” From what the divorce lawyers<\/a> at our Plano, Dallas, Fort Worth, Granbury, and Austin offices have seen, this is absolutely the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why are folks in this demographic divorcing in such record numbers? There are many reasons for a gray divorce, but often, it’s simply because they can. Many older Americans are children of divorce<\/a> themselves and have seen it lose the stigma it previously carried. They likely have friends, family, and co-workers who have gotten a divorce and gone on to live happier lives. And since more women work in financially rewarding careers today than in years past, it’s easier to envision an independent life after marriage. Meanwhile, people are living longer and healthier lives than ever before; in fact, some people say that 60 is the new 50. If you find yourself in an unhappy marriage at age 55, you could still be living in that relationship for another 30 years if you don’t make a change. Divorce can be a path to increased contentment in your middle and later years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the things that define a gray divorce is its unique complexities that come with age and duration of the marriage. Common issues that may need to be navigated in a gray divorce include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some couples may realize that it’s too late to say, in the words of the Beatles, “We can work it out.” Divorcing later in life may offer a new lease on life and without the cultural stigma that previous generations may have experienced, a gray divorce may offer you a chance to start over and experience the life you want to live. If you’re considering a divorce, consult an experienced family law attorney who understands the nuances and complexities of divorcing later in life. They can help you protect your retirement income and assets as well as your family relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy Are Gray Divorces More Common?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Unique Challenges in Gray Divorces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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