There has recently been a growing rate of so-called “gray” divorces. According to a recent study, although the overall divorce rate is down, the rate of divorce between couples over 50 has more than doubled in the past 20 years. Issues in “gray” divorces are similar to those in the younger population. Division of marital property and debts and spousal support are often the biggest issues. A Worcester divorce lawyer can help navigate these issues to achieve the most optimal results for an individual’s particular situation.
One theory behind the increase in “gray” divorces centers on the attitude of the Baby Boomer generation. Unlike previous generations, whose motivation for marriage was often financial or to fulfill certain roles, Baby Boomers enter marriage seeking personal fulfillment. Once a couple’s children have left home, they may realize they are not happy in the relationship and are not as afraid to end it as in past generations.
This growing trend is highlighted by the newly announced divorce between Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman. The actors are divorcing after 30 years of marriage. According to the study, it is not uncommon for marriages to end after 30 or 40 years.
In two-thirds of the cases, women are the ones initiating the divorce. Some theorize that this statistic is a result of women becoming more independent. More women are now educated and in the work force. Social media and online dating may also be a factor, as the Internet is no longer the domain of younger generations. As in the rest of the population, infidelity is also one of the major reasons older couples are choosing to divorce.
A divorce is perhaps one of the most difficult things in life to face, no matter what your age. It is no less devastating in “gray” divorce cases. These cases often present more complicated issues as a couple may have collected a lifetime of belongings and financial dependence on each other.
Source: CBS, “‘Gray divorces’ increasing sharply,” Oct. 13, 2012