What is a Gray Divorce?

 Posted on December 15, 2023 in Adoption

Gray divorce is a term commonly used to describe divorce between spouses who are 50 years old or older. The topic has been gaining coverage in recent years as the divorce rates for this age group have been increasing. There are several reasons for this, which will be described below. If you are in your fifties or older and find yourself considering divorce, a knowledgeable Kane County, IL divorce lawyer will be able to guide you based on their vast experience and ensure that your best interests are being fought for

What Are Some Unique Issues in Gray Divorce?

Because of the spouses’ ages, the life experience they have generally accumulated by the time they seek a divorce, and the length of time their marriage typically has lasted, there are several reasons why Gray Divorce is considered its own topic with its own characteristics: These reasons include:

• Nearing retirement: Something unique to gray divorce is the fact that the spouses are closer to or past retirement age. When younger couples get divorced, they may not have been working for very long or may not have made plans for their post-retirement futures. By the time you are nearing retirement age, you have likely made a plan to stay financially stable once you stop earning a salary. In some couples, both spouses are offered attractive retirement packages by their employers. In some couples, one spouse’s pension is meant to cover both spouse’s needs. The fact that the spouses considering divorce are doing so later in life and, therefore, closer to retirement age is one of the reasons why this is a unique type of divorce.
• Health issues: Often, people face more health issues as they age. While this does not mean that everyone who is beyond a certain age will be sick, it does mean that health issues have a role to play in gray divorce, whether they be mental, like dementia, or physical, including serious illness or disability. This certainly does not mean you should not pursue divorce if you or your spouse suffer from health issues. However, it is another factor that makes gray divorce unique.
• Emotional considerations: When a couple is in their fifties or older, generally one of two things has happened: Either they have had a long marriage, or they got married later in life. If it’s the first option, they likely have many memories together and have raised a family together. If it’s the second option, this could mean that either it was a second marriage for at least one of them or a first marriage much later in life. Either way, their marriage likely felt like they were finally getting their chance at happiness. Regardless of which option describes your situation, it is safe to assume that ending the marriage at this stage in your life can be a very emotional decision.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a St. Charles, IL, Divorce Lawyer

If you are in your fifties or older and are headed toward divorce, an experienced Kane County, IL, divorce attorney will be able to answer your questions and advocate passionately for your rights and interests. Call Goostree Law Group at 630-584-4800 today to schedule a free consultation.