Divorce Rate Skyrockets for Baby Boomers | Kane County Divorce Lawyer

 Posted on March 02, 2013 in Divorce

According to the Chicago Tribune, the National Center for Family and Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University has completed a study indicating that the divorce rate for people aged 50 and older has doubled between the years of 1990 and 2010. Whereas in 1990, only one out of every 10 divorces involved a person over the age of 50, now, one out of every four divorces involves a person over the age of 50. Researchers speculate that this large increase in divorce rates may be due to the fact that our population is aging and living longer, more women have careers that do not leave them financially dependent on their husbands, and more people are rejecting traditional religious no-divorce rules. Additionally, when major life events occur, such as when all children have left their parents’ homes, the parents may discover that their marriage is no longer viable. Divorces involving older Americans can bring to light a different set of issues than those which face younger divorcing Americans. For instance, health insurance coverage until one spouse or the other is eligible for Medicare may be an important issue that any divorce settlement must cover. There is the possibility that one spouse, typically the woman, has foregone a career and, as a result, needs continuing alimony for support. An aging couple’s assets may lie primarily in their primary residence, which, given the housing market, may be worth less or even underwater with the existing mortgage. Due to these unique issues that may be facing divorcing couples over the age of 50, it is essential that each spouse get the legal advice and representation that he or she needs to maintain a financially feasible future. Contact your Kane County divorce attorney today, and discover what options may be available to you through your divorce proceedings.