In recent years, statistics have shown that gray divorce is happening more often. For the average American, the divorce rate is falling. But for those who are 45 and older, it has been going up—and especially for those over 65.
Naturally, there are a multitude of reasons for this, many of which may be unique to a couple’s personal experience. However, there are some overall issues that are driving this big-picture change, which are important to identify.
Empty-nesters
In some cases, all that is keeping an unhappy couple together is that they have children. They do not want to get divorced as long as they are raising the kids together. When they become empty-nesters, though, they may decide it is time to end the marriage.
Different goals
Another problem is that people at this stage in life may have different goals or a different vision for what they want at this time. Perhaps one person wants to keep working until they are unable, while the other wants to retire as early as possible and travel the world. They may divorce so they can both pursue their own dreams.
Shifting norms
Additionally, you can’t ignore the fact that the divorce stigma has changed with the generations. Some couples may have wanted to get divorced 30 or 40 years ago, but they felt that there was a negative stigma they did not want to violate. Today, divorce is much more common and acceptable, so they may feel comfortable doing it.
Divorce can be very complex at this age, especially from a financial perspective. Couples need to know exactly what legal steps to take.