According to a study at Bowling Green State University, there has been a significant increase in the number of couples over the age of 50 who are divorcing. This phenomenon is known as “gray divorce,” a term coined by the American Association of Retired Persons, which refers to the “gray-haired” demographic of individuals who are 50 years of age or older. Between 1990 and 2015, the divorce rate for adults ages 50 and older has doubled, and if researchers’ predictions are accurate, the number of “gray divorces” will triple by 2030. If you fall into this demographic, and are considering a divorce, a highly skilled divorce lawyer can walk you through the divorce process and ensure that you receive the best possible outcome.
What Are the Common Causes of the Divorce After 50?
Approximately 50 percent of marriages end in divorce in the United States. However, it often comes as a surprise when a couple that has been married for 20-plus years files for divorce. Questions arise as to what caused the relationship to break down after a long marriage.
- Empty Nest Syndrome. Often, when a couple’s adult children are no longer living in the house, it can leave one or both parents feeling a sense of grief and loss. When children no longer live in the family home, the couple may find that they have grown apart, and that their children are the only thing they have in common.
- Financial issues. Money is a common source of stress and friction for many couples, including those who have been married for 20+ years. There are a number of money-related issues that can cause a marriage to break down, such as not having enough money or arguing over how money should be spent. In addition, unlike prior decades, women are just as likely to be financially independent as their spouse, which means that they do not feel pressure to stay in an unhappy marriage for financial reasons.
- Infidelity. According to the American Psychological Association, infidelity is the main cause of approximately 40 percent of gray divorces.
- Unwilling to compromise one’s happiness. It has been reported that people ages 50 and older are more concerned about their personal happiness and self-fulfillment than they are about staying in a stagnant, unhappy marriage. This is particularly more prevalent as adults are living longer than they did in previous generations.
Somerville Divorce Lawyers at Lepp, Mayrides & Eaton, LLC Represent Older Couples Who Are Seeking a Divorce
If you are seeking a divorce after a long marriage, contact the Somerville divorce lawyers at Lepp, Mayrides & Eaton, LLC at your earliest convenience. Our dedicated legal team will walk you through the divorce process, address important issues like spousal support and division of retirement accounts, and assist in securing the best possible outcome. To schedule a consultation, call us today at 908-800-7676 or contact us online.
Located in Somerville, New Jersey, our attorneys serve clients throughout Central New Jersey, including those in Somerset County, Hunterdon County, Warren County, Morris County, Mercer County, Monmouth County, Union County, and Middlesex County.