Gray divorce factors to consider before you file

 Posted on December 15, 2021 in Divorce

If your marriage is not what you expected, you shouldn’t have to remain in it. Even if you’re over the age of 50, you still have options for moving forward with the life you choose.

Divorcing at an older age, usually 50 and older, is known as gray divorce. This kind of divorce is seeing an unprecedented increase all around the world.

Why are gray divorces increasing in number?

Part of the reason may be that women are now starting to work and take on roles in the same capacity as men. Sometimes, a couple won’t have children or may have children who have left the nest, so this is a time when it’s easier for them to divorce. There is also the impact of the fact that over half of all people in their middle age now will live over the age of 85. Many people can’t stand the idea of staying with their spouse for another 10, 20, or 30 years, if not longer.

There are unique challenges to overcome

If you will be getting a divorce when you’re 50 or older, you do have to face unique challenges that you may not have at a younger age. You should take a look at your income sources and budget, retirement plans and health insurance coverage, for example.

You will also want to consider your adult children, if you have them. You should do this because even when your children are older, a divorce can have a ripple effect on your family. You may want to consider family counseling, if everyone is interested in participating.

One final thing to consider as you approach this divorce is how you plan to handle mental capacity issues. There is a potential that mental capacity issues may be influencing the choice to divorce or could impact you or your ex in the future. It’s worth taking a moment to consider if this is something that may need to be discussed.

You have options, but divorce is only one of them

Before you divorce, remember to go over your options. A divorce isn’t the only option. Legal separation may be the better option in some circumstances. For example, if you and your spouse want to go your separate ways but would like to maintain shared health insurance coverage, a separation could be a better choice.