The colloquial term “gray divorce” applies to couples over age 50 who decide to split. Sometimes, things are for the better, but the divorce process comes with concerns, responsibilities and stress. Recent trends suggest that some factors contribute to the growing divorce rate among older couples in Minnesota and around the country.
Factors converse to drive up filings for gray divorces
Improvements in health, medicine and wellness industries have led to people living longer lives. Ironically, longer life expectancies factor into gray divorce statistics. The longer people live, the more time they have to grow apart. Sometimes, older couples experience problems for many years. It might take some time for one or both spouses to finally seek dissolution. The couple may reach an advanced age when this occurs.
Divorce also comes with a different image than was the case many decades ago. Thirty years ago, a divorced person might have faced social stigma. Today, there are fewer social repercussions for ending a marriage of many years, which leads some couples to move forward with a divorce.
Additional causes for gray divorces
Many different causes might bring a marriage to divorce proceedings. For example, children growing up and leaving home could lead parents to divorce. Without the children to focus on, a spouse may see that the marriage has broken down.
Financial problems or disagreements may also drive spouses to divorce. One partner might want to save money or develop retirement plans, placing stress on the other spouse’s shoulders. A spouse could feel so strongly about financial matters that disagreements mean an eventual dissolution of the marriage.
A family law attorney may help individuals understand the requirements for filing for divorce. An attorney may also represent a client during divorce settlement discussions.
