Although divorce rates are dropping in most age groups, that isn’t the case for those over the age of 50. In 2014, the divorce rate among couples over the age of 50 was double what it was in 1990, according to research from Bowling Green University. Some believe that this is because most people over the age of 50 are in their second marriages.
Those who are in their second marriages are more than twice as likely to get divorced compared to those who hadn’t divorced in the past. Other reasons include increased lifespans and better finances compared to younger Americans. Today, an individual who is 50 years old may have another 30 years to live, which may cause that person to contemplate if they want to stay in a marriage that may not be satisfying anymore.
Shifting attitudes toward marriage are also making it easier to get a divorce without feeling a social stigma surrounding that decision. In past generations, good spouses were those who could provide for the family or were skilled at being a homemaker. Today, a husband or wife is supposed to be a best friend and a source of personal fulfillment and happiness. If those criteria aren’t met, divorce is seen as a logical step to take.
Regardless of age, a person who is considering filing for divorce may want to obtain the assistance of a family law attorney. There are a variety of legal issues that will often prove contentious, such as property division and, in the case of parents of young children, child support and visitation. Legal counsel can often assist in the negotiation of a comprehensive settlement agreement that addresses these matters and that can be submitted to the court for its approval.
