Gray Divorce

Are You Considering Filing For Divorce?

Since divorce rates in the United States peaked in the 70’s and 80’s, more and more couples are choosing to stay together rather than file for divorce. However, this trend isn’t universal across all age groups in the country. According to a study conducted by Bowling Green State University (BGSU) sociologists I-Fen Lin and Susan L. Brown, the divorce rate among couples in their 50s and older, also referred to as gray divorces, more than doubled between 1990 and 2010. The research began following the high-profile separation of Al and Tipper Gore, who were married for 40 years, and found that approximately 55 percent of gray divorces occurred among couples who were married for at least two decades.

Call us at (614) 344-4311 to discuss your situation
with a member of our firm.

At Grossman Law Offices, our Columbus divorce lawyers have worked with thousands of people throughout our careers, providing them with the knowledgeable and experienced representation they require. Whether you are deep into your divorce process or just starting to consider the possibility of separation or divorce, we can help you put together a plan of action that will secure you the outcome you deserve. Reach out to us today to learn more about what we can do for you.

Why Are Couples Divorcing After So Many Years Together?

According to experts, one of the key factors influencing the growing number of gray divorces is children moving away from home. Couples with children potentially spend decades of their lives focusing all of their efforts on their family, and when those children leave home it may begin to feel like there is a void in their lives. Some couples cannot reconnect with their spouse without children there to hold them together, and chose to look for a new life away from their spouse rather than stay together and work through their struggles together.

So What Comes Next?

Divorce (or separation) is a huge choice to make, especially after so many years together. It’s important to take the steps necessary to ensure that you and your family remain financially and emotionally stable following the legal proceedings. Just a few of the many considerations you will need to discuss are:

• Understand Your Healthcare Options: You may need to prepare for a chance in your medical coverage depending on whether you have your own healthcare plan or if you are covered by your spouse’s plan. In addition to this, you may need to consider the impact divorce can have on your care later on in life, like needing to hire additional help around the house as you get older and require assistance.
• Speak With Your Children: Discussing your plans with your adult children and keeping them informed of your decisions is important to maintain your family ties. No matter how old your children are, they will likely be confused and hurt by your decision to separate from their other parent, and helping then through the transition can go a long way to ensuring they understand your reasoning and want to remain part of your life.
• Understand Your Financial Situation Moving Forwards: Depending on your financial situation, you may need to prepare for a significant change to your retirement strategy. Any savings you and your spouse saved up throughout your marriage will likely be split along with the rest of your property. Spending time with your divorce lawyer will help you iron out the details of this change, and help ensure that you aren’t left in a financially unsustainable position moving forwards.

Send us the details of your case through our online form to schedule a case consultation today.

Hire An Attorney You Can Trust

Hiring the right attorney to represent you throughout your divorce is an important decision to make, and can set you up for success or failure. With more than 85 combined years of legal experience, our Columbus divorce attorneys at Grossman Law Offices understand how to take advantage of every facet of family law, and will work with you to ensure that you secure the legal outcome you require to move on to the next phase of your life. Speak with one of our attorneys today by giving us a call at (614) 344-4311, or send us a message through our online form.