The divorce rate for people over the age of 50 doubled between 1990 and 2010. Michigan couples who end their marriages after turning 50 are said to be going through a gray divorce. One of the primary reasons people get divorced later in life is because they aren’t emotionally connected with their partners. Therefore, they may try to make the most of the final years or decades of their lives either alone or with a new partner.
Older folks may also choose to end their marriages because of changing attitudes toward divorce. In previous decades, many individuals felt as if they had no choice but to remain in bad relationships.
While divorce can be an option for those who feel that they don’t belong with their spouses, it may be a good idea to attempt to improve the relationship instead of ending it. A therapist or other neutral party may be able to help a couple determine the root cause of their problems. For instance, couples who are having trouble communicating may be able to learn how to express themselves better. In some cases, it may be possible to rekindle the passion and excitement that brought a couple together in the first place. However, this may not be possible if abuse or infidelity is the reason why an individual wants to end a marriage.
The end of a marriage can create significant challenges regardless of how old a person is when this happens. An attorney may explain the process of obtaining spousal support, child support or other financial assistance in a final settlement. Legal counsel may also explain how to divide a retirement account without triggering a taxable event.