Why The Rise in Gray Divorce?

Gray divorce is becoming more and more common. Most of us know an older couple that has parted ways—maybe within our own families or friend circles.  What’s behind this trend?  Why would couples who’ve formed a life together over a period of years— sometimes several decades, even, decide to split up? While the details differ, there are generally just a handful of basic reasons behind this decision.

When the Marriage is Over 

Though it’s true that couples of all ages might choose to split due to addiction issues, infidelity problems, or domestic violence, older couples have a few other issues that tend to divide couples, oftentimes leading to divorce.  Just a few of those issues include:

• Money Fights: What’s more difficult in a relationship than financial disputes? With the accumulation of more wealth, some older couples wind up with different notions as to how to spend retirement money. Being Empty Nesters: After the kids move out, the axis of life for some couples is completely disrupted. After a life that was wrapped up in the requirements of parenting, couples find they don’t have much to talk about when the children are gone.
• Tedium: Couples who’ve settled into a routine may at some point discover that they’re still young enough to enjoy life! There’s a whole planet worth exploring out there, and when one spouse is unwilling to dive into it, the other may just decide to take it on alone.
• Individual Change: As people get older, they understandably experience a number of changes. New interests and passions, new hobbies and commitments—these can contribute to a gap between two spouses. Changes can lead one spouse to find a partner who has more in common with them.
• Intimacy Loss: It could be an emotional desert or a physical one, but when couples lose an intimate connection it can feel pointless to stay married. Health Complaints: What if one spouse is unwilling or unable to enjoy physical activities, while the other loves being outside tackling new adventures?  Although it may come with some guilt, the healthier spouse may ultimately choose to get away from the constraints that come with having a sickly partner.
• Too much Time Together: For couples who’ve spent years more-or-less independent of one another, retirement may be a rude awakening as they realize they have too much time to kill together. Who’d have guessed they didn’t really enjoy each other that much?
• Changes in Society: Today’s women have many more opportunities in the job market and elsewhere, meaning they are less dependent on their husbands. Having the liberty to think about life outside of marriage may be all it takes for some women to escape an unhappy marriage, especially since the stigma of old is all but gone nowadays!

Your Advocate 

The dedicated and experienced Boca Raton divorce lawyers at WiseLieberman are here to help.  We will work to achieve your goals, no holds barred.  Have a conversation with us today to analyze your options.

Source:

aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2023/gray-divorce-trend.html