Til Death Do Us Part: A Look At Gray Divorce
The gray divorce trend describes the growing rate of people over the age of 50 who are filing for divorce across the country.
When couples recite their marital vows to one another, they hardly think of filing for divorce after years of marriage. However, at least half of all marriages end in divorce, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An increasing number of people over the age of 50 are filing for divorce in Tennessee and across the United States. This phenomenon, referred to as gray divorce, not only affects baby boomers who separating after retirement and into their later years, but it affects their children and grandchildren as well.
Trending: Gray divorce
Research conducted at Bowling Green State University indicated a growing trend of baby boomers who are separating and divorcing after the age of 50. In some cases, these people are going through their second and third divorce. According to the New York Times, the study showed that more than one in four people over the age of 50 filed for divorce in 2013, which is a significant increase from the one in 10 people in this age bracket who divorced in 1990. Furthermore, that number is expected to continue growing.
What causes gray divorce?
There are a number of factors that contribute to the increasing number of gray divorcees. According to The Fiscal Times, people are living longer, and many do not wish to stay in a broken or damaged marriage. After the kids leave the home, couples who have based their relationship around the growth and development of their children may feel as though they no longer have anything in common and may decide to go their separate ways.
Retirement can also contribute to divorce, as some couples may find that they have grown apart during decades of spending time at work. People may take up new hobbies and change their direction in life, and their spouses may or may not wish to stay with them.
As more women become financially independent, they are not only able to afford a divorce, but they can support themselves once they leave the marriage. Many women no longer have to remain in an unhappy marriage simply because they cannot afford to live on their own.
Seeking legal counsel
Divorce can be an emotional time for everyone involved. You may have questions about the divorce process, as well as your options and rights as a spouse. An attorney in Tennessee may be able to answer your questions and help point you in the right direction when it comes to filing for divorce. A lawyer may help you make those tough decisions during this emotional time in your life.