Many men and women over the age of 50 are filing for divorce after almost two decades of marriage. This alarming new trend has led our Framingham divorce lawyers to explore the possible reasons why.
Divorce Was Not Collaborative
At Barach Law Group LLC, we work with couples who have been married from three to sixty years. One of the reasons our older couples cite as reasons for their divorce is that the marriage wasn’t collaborative. Often, women who have been married to their spouse for over 20 years had at one point given up their career to raise the children. After the children leave the nest, these women are left feeling as if they gave up too much.
Age Difference
Large age gaps that may not have been a problem at the beginning of marriage can become a problem as the couple ages. For example, a couple who may have married when one was 40 and the other 20 may have a hard time managing their lives when one is 40 and then other 60. The now 40-year-old in the marriage is likely having a mid-life crisis and could be looking to make some drastic changes. If the couple does not communicate well, this could lead to divorce.
Finances
As both people approach retirement age, differences in spending habits can quickly surface and cause a split. In many situations, one spouse loves to spend money on extravagant vacations or luxury items while the other is more interested in saving and investing. Without the steady income in to support the difference in spending habits, couples may start to disagree on money.
We’re Living Longer Lives
Before the Baby Boomers, couples who had been married, 20, 30 or 40 years stayed together because the average lifespan was at most 65. People chose to stay more often because they were only expected to live a few more years. Today more couples are divorcing in their fifties because they can see themselves living another 15 to 20 years.
Thinking of Divorce?
Filing for divorce after many years of marriage can be extremely complicated, but worth it if you are living an unfulfilling life. Often couples who have been together for that long have their assets and finances wound tightly around one another. At Barach Law Group LLC, we have represented clients in your situation many times. Our meticulous eye for detail, compassionate approach and reasonable attorney fees make us an excellent legal asset to have in your corner. If you are thinking of divorce, contact our Framingham divorce lawyers today for a free case evaluation.