Couples who marry young sometimes divorce relatively early. Issues ranging from infidelity to incompatibility may lead to one spouse filing for divorce. In recent years, one type of divorce has become more common than many others.
Gray divorces are now as much as three times more common than they were in 1990. A gray divorce involves spouses in their 50s or later who have remained married for many years.
What separates a gray divorce from other divorces?
The same basic laws apply
Gray divorces are not subject to different family law statutes than divorces involving younger spouses married for a shorter amount of time. However, gray divorces tend to be more complex and may require more careful preparation.
After spending decades together, spouses have typically completely commingled their resources and financial obligations. Everything they own may be part of the marital estate, which means that property division proceedings can be particularly complex. Additionally, the proximity of retirement age may make people relatively anxious about their finances as they prepare for gray divorce proceedings.
Emotional responses and social fallout have the potential to be far more significant in a gray divorce. While custody matters are likely not an issue because children may already be adults, family drama is common in a gray divorce scenario. Older children and friends of the divorcing couple may have strong emotional reactions to the pending gray divorce.
Those preparing for a gray divorce often need assistance reviewing financial records, establishing reasonable goals and negotiating with their spouses, and that’s okay. Proper preparation can help people achieve gray divorce outcomes that set them up for a happy and stable life after divorce.