The number of individuals who are getting divorced at older ages is on the rise throughout the United States, including in New Jersey. This is occurring even though the marital dissolution rate has dropped over the past couple of decades. Here is a glimpse at some of the most common reasons for divorce that occurs later in life, or gray divorce.
First, some people divorce in their 50s or later because they cannot see eye to eye about their finances, or they may be having a hard time handling debt. Sometimes, the problem is that one of the parties is the household’s only breadwinner, so this person tries to control the money to the displeasure of the other spouse. In other situations, divorce may happen due to spouses mismanaging funds or overspending.
Another common reason for gray divorce is that two spouses simply grow apart. Particularly, once the children are no longer at home, spouses may feel ready to move on with their own lives as well — without each other. Some spouses also get divorced near their golden years because of infidelity. The rise in dating sites has made it easier than ever for individuals of any age, including those who are older, to find romantic partners while still being married.
Divorce is never an easy process no matter how old or young a person is. However, it may be particularly complex for older individuals, as they may have accumulated significant assets over the course of their marriage. Fortunately, an attorney in New Jersey can help those going through gray divorce to achieve the best outcomes possible for themselves given the circumstances surrounding their breakups.