Divorce Rates for Couples Over Age 65 Have Tripled, Here is Why

 Posted on January 06, 2022 in Divorce

The decision to divorce is a deeply personal one. Understandably, many people think about divorce for years or even decades before finally calling it quits.

Divorce is usually associated with couples in their 30s and 40s. However, studies show that the divorce rate for this demographic is declining. Contrarily, the divorce rate for those over age fifty has doubled. Even more surprisingly, the rate of divorce for couples over age 65 has tripled in the last several decades.

If you find yourself facing divorce in your 50s, 60s, or 70s, you will most likely face a unique set of divorce challenges. It is important to work with a divorce lawyer who understands how to tackle these challenges.

Some Older Couples Simply Grow Apart Over Time

The person you are as a 60- or 65-year-old probably varies significantly from the person you were as a 25-year-old. Your values, ambitions, and even your personality may have changed dramatically over the decades. Sometimes, couples simply grow apart over the years.

Fortunately, many couples in this situation are able to work cooperatively to end their divorce. If you and your spouse are able to discuss divorce issues like property division collaboratively, you may save yourself significant time, energy, and money during a divorce.

The Children Are Grown and Out of the House

Many couples see raising children as the main purpose of the marital relationship. Once the children are grown up and out of the home, the couple may find themselves searching for reasons to stay together. Older couples may not need to deal with issues like child custody and child support, however, having children can still complicate the divorce. It may be a good idea to sit down with your adult children and discuss how the split will impact everyone moving forward.  

Marital Misconduct Including Infidelity and Abuse May Damage the Marriage

Sadly, some marriages end because one or both spouses are abusive or cruel to each other. If you are seeking divorce because of domestic violence, consider seeking an order of protection. Infidelity is also a common cause of marital breakdown. Sometimes, couples try to work past an affair and restore the relationship but find it is simply impossible to do so.

Contact a DuPage County Divorce Lawyer

The reasons people get divorced are just as complicated as the reasons they get married. If you have decided to end your marriage, a divorce lawyer can help. “Gray divorce” or divorce over age 50 involves many complexities. It is important to work with a divorce attorney experienced in gray divorce issues. Contact the skilled Naperville divorce lawyers at Divorce Over 50 - Goostree Law Group for help. Call 630-634-5050 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/03/09/led-by-baby-boomers-divorce-rates-climb-for-americas-50-population/