Gray Divorce – What Are The Reasons?

While divorce rates in Arizona and across the country for the general population have remained at a steady level over the past several decades, it is a different story for couples ages 50 and older. The baby boomer divorce rate (also called Gray Divorce) has nearly doubled in the last twenty years, according to a study by Bowling Green University.
What are the reasons that baby boomers divorcing at record rates? There could be a number of factors, according to divorce experts:

– Economic stress as older Americans are losing their jobs, which adds stress to marriages

– One partner in the marriage (most commonly women) begin to feel empowered enough as generations evolve to pursue their own interests and happiness outside the confines of marriage

– Adultery – with the inclusion of online sites and other temptations that are so easily accessible, this is a growing problem in elder marriages

– Intolerance of the goals of the other spouse – i.e. one partner wanting to go back to school, work, etc. after children leave the home

– Social stigmas of divorce – while divorce used to be frowned upon in past generations, it has become a more frequent “norm” in today’s society

– Empty nest – Many older couples kept their marriage active to create a more stable life for their children, but now that the kids are grown and out of the house, couples are ending the marriage that had been unhappily continuing for the sake of the children.

For older couples that are going through divorce, the process can be more stressful and complicated than a divorce between a younger couple. If you are in the middle of a Gray Divorce, it is important to speak to a Phoenix divorce lawyer about your legal options. Contact an experienced family law attorney at The Sampair Group today for a consultation.

Statistics via: http://www.azdivorceattorney.net/2012/07/14/baby-boomer-divorce-rate-doubles/