Many people have marriages that last decades, going all the way through their 50s, 60s and into their late 70s – and many cherish those years with their spouse. Over the past couple of years, however, you and your spouse may have started to drift apart and what options you may have.
While many people may divorce around their 20s, 30s or 40s (during times when people are still growing), people above 50 years of age have more to consider and are more hesitant about divorce. Usually, they’ve built up their assets and have established roots in their marriage.
You may worry that divorce will compromise everything you built up, you may even consider it silly to divorce so late in life. Before you decide you’re “too old” to divorce, here’s what you should consider:
Traditions change with time, and it’s okay to change with them
You have seen cultures and beliefs rise and fall and rise again. Many in decades past found that divorce was frowned upon no matter the circumstance. You may have married (and stayed married) for this long because of your beliefs and tradition, but things change – and so do you.
Today, older people are filing for divorce more than ever. Divorce has given many people more options in their lives, set them free from struggles in their marriages and given people renewed life purpose. If you’re in your 50s, do you really want to spend another 20 or 30 years unhappily married?
You just have to put more care into the divorce process when you’re older
After a brief marriage, couples may part fairly easily. After a mid-length marriage, they may have children and issues of custody and support that have to be decided. For those in their senior years, the big issues during a divorce are usually the assets.
You will have to consider your assets when you file for divorce, such as:
- Nest egg division
- Car and home ownership
- Health insurance
- Income sources
- Social Security benefits
- Stock investments
- Life insurance
If you’re considering a gray divorce, then you may need to seek legal support that can ensure you get a fair deal. Nobody’s too old to pursue a better life, but you want to make sure that you have experienced guidance when you start.