Without question, ending a marriage is one of life’s most stressful experiences. Not many people are aware that the divorce rate as a whole is declining in California and across the country. However, older adults are bucking this trend. Since the 1990s, the divorce rate has nearly doubled for adults ages 50 and older in the United States. This phenomenon has become known as gray divorce.
The question most often asked is what are the reasons for this uptick in late-life divorce? One major factor is that people are just living longer these days. Plus, the stigma surrounding divorce is not what it once was. Many older couples are realizing they no longer have to stay in an unhappy situation just for the sake of others. Since older individuals tend to be more financially stable, moving on is just easier later in life.
However, there are consequences that come with divorcing later in life. Those who have retired or stepped away from their careers may be forced to re-enter the workforce. It’s no secret that the older a person is, the more difficult it can be to obtain employment. Obviously, late-life divorce can also have substantial impacts on adult children of gray divorcees. While grandchildren may not understand why their grandparents together.
Ending a lengthy marriage can definitely be unsettling, but it should not be looked upon pessimistically. Those who divorce later in life can look at their new-found freedom as an opportunity to meet new people and pursue things they’ve always wanted to do. For any individual in California going through divorce, contacting a legal representative is an important step in the process. An experienced attorney can answer questions and provide guidance during this confusing and stressful time.