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Are gray divorces becoming more common?

On Behalf of | Jun 29, 2021 | divorce

As you get older, you may find that you and your spouse are no longer on the same page. What you once enjoyed doing together might now only be one of your interests. Age differences start to be more prominent in older generations, and you may realize that your life is not what you’d like it to be.

If you’re planning to get a divorce when you’re over 50, you’re not alone. Gray divorces are becoming more common. This is a new phenomenon, because the total number of people divorcing over the age of 50 has doubled between 1990 and 2010. Just one generation ago, it was only around 10% of those over the age of 50 who chose to divorce. Now, it’s closer to 25%.

Why are gray divorces becoming more common?

Gray divorces are becoming more common for a few reasons, not the least of which is that divorces are no longer as taboo as they once were. Other causes of gray divorces may be linked to living longer and more healthily, having children leave the home and more time to look at the relationship itself and transitioning into retirement. Without busy schedules or work to keep some people busy, they may find that they don’t have much in common with their spouses anymore.

Time together, as well as growing apart, may lead to divorce for some. Others feel more comfortable with divorcing now because of the change in gender roles and expectations. With more women working, they may be better able to support themselves if they choose to divorce.

These are many of the reasons why people divorce as they get older, but usually a singular event is not to blame.

What should you do if you want to divorce?

Gray divorces tend to be complex, because you have to consider many years of building up assets and property together as well as retirement accounts and other investments. If you want to divorce, you’ll need to go through the legal process like at any other time of your life, but be prepared to work through complex financial discussions and topics that you may not have had as a younger adult.

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