The United States is seeing a huge increase in divorces among people in their 50s. Researchers at Bowling Green State University in Ohio have dubbed this a “gray divorce revolution.” It’s become a worldwide phenomenon that continues to grow each year.
You and your spouse have been happily married for 20-30 years, or so you thought. One day, seemingly out of the blue, your spouse tells you that they want a divorce. To say you are shocked is an understatement.
Often the person filing has thought about it for a long time
These are some of the reasons for gray divorces:
- Your spouse has secretly been unhappy for years and has concluded that it’s time to leave the marriage.
- An accusation of Infidelity causes irreparable damages to a once-strong marriage.
- You finally tire of the constant abuse that your spouse subjects you to, whether mental, verbal, or physical.
- Now that your children have grown and flown the nest, you see no treason to stay together.
Whether the decision to divorce was mutual or initiated by your spouse, you can count on this being a challenging period in your life.
- You may find yourself on an emotional roller coaster where you experience every emotion from anger to relief.
- Your social life may change slightly, as friends and families choose sides. Your friends and family will likely rally around you while your spouse’s loved ones pull away from you.
- Your health may suffer due to the sudden upheaval in your life.
- Your financial situation may change as your bank account and property are divided up. If you have a prenup in place, financial decisions may already have been made ahead of time.
At best, going through a gray divorce will be challenging. Make sure that you seek advice from a seasoned legal guide.
