Divorce rates are not uniform across all age groups in the United States. Even if it were possible to correctly identify an average divorce rate for everyone, that does not mean that every couple has the same chances of splitting up.
Reports generally show that the divorce rate is falling for younger couples, such as those under 45. At the same time, the rate is rising for those over 45, and these cases are often referred to as gray divorces. The most dramatic increases are seen among even older couples, such as those 65 and older, who have seen their divorce rate triple over the last three decades.
How can this change the divorce process?
A gray divorce is often much different from a divorce involving younger couples. For one thing, if a couple is in their 60s, their children are likely grown up and have moved out of the house. The couple usually does not have to address child custody issues, except in rare circumstances, such as when a child was born later in life or has special needs and requires ongoing care.
However, other aspects of a gray divorce can be far more complex. How will the couple divide retirement assets they have been saving jointly for decades? How should they split bank accounts, investments or real estate they own? Property division often becomes much more complicated later in life, and these divorce cases can become contentious.
Are you going through a gray divorce?
If you are going through a gray divorce, it is important to understand the complexities you may face and all of the legal options available to help address them.