A growing trend in the U.S. is the number of people who are considered older and are deciding to get a divorce. Missourians who are in this situation should think about the various issues that accompany a so-called “gray divorce.” Problems that people 50 and older who decide to get divorced can differ from those experienced by younger people. Since the 1990s, the number of people 50 and older who have divorced has doubled. One obvious reason that there has been a rise in these divorces is the increase in lifespans. However, there are other considerations that should be assessed when thinking about a divorce at a later age and having legal help is crucial.
When people live longer, they might begin to think about changes in their life before it is too late. An unhappy marriage could be viewed as something that no longer must be endured for ancillary reasons. For those 50 and above, the prospect of living another three decades unhappily is not enjoyable. The social acceptance of divorce can free those who would otherwise be reluctant to move on. Financial stability contributes to the willingness to part ways.
Finances are an inescapable concern. When getting a divorce, there could be new financial worries such as a second marriage and young children. Needing to get a job at an advanced age should not be ignored. While businesses are not allowed to discriminate based on age, some jobs require a person to be current on new trends and physically able to carry out their duties. This should be considered during the divorce so support factors and settlements can mitigate these financial challenges. For older people who are divorcing, family factors can come into play. It might not be linked to custody if there are adult children, but the emotional aspect can be debilitating and should be factored in.
For older people who have determined that they want to move on and get a divorce, there are a myriad of factors that can mirror those of younger people and add other issues into the mix. Property division, retirement accounts, spousal support and much more are magnified when it is an older couple. Having legal assistance to navigate the complexities of a gray divorce is crucial. Before taking the next step, it is imperative to have legal advice.
