Adults ages 50 and older who consider divorce often have drastically different concerns than those divorcing in their 20s or 30s. Rather than child custody and support being a primary concern, these individuals may have adult children and worry more about property and asset division, specifically concerning their financial stability heading into their retirement years.
While divorce later in life may seem overwhelming and monumental, it is important to remember that “grey divorce,” or divorce among older Americans, is and has been on the rise for years. In fact, the American Bar Association states that those ages 50 and older currently account for 25% of all divorces.
Statistics Show Uptick in Divorce Among Older Americans
The U.S. Census Bureau published data on people of various age groups who got a divorce. This data, taken from a 2016 survey, shows that more adults 50 and older have ended their marriages since the 1990s.
The survey findings discovered that many older adults remained married for a longer period of time, with at least half reaching their 25th wedding anniversaries. Other notable findings:
- At least 90% of adults ages 60 and older have been married at some point
- At least 20% of all adults over the age of 60 have been married twice
- Less than 10% of adults have been married three times or more
Most notably, about 43% of adults ages 55-64 who were ever married have been divorced. The study points out that divorce among older generations has been steadily rising since the 1990s, citing “marital instability” of the Baby Boomer generation for this trend.
Consider What Is Most Important to You
Heading into a divorce at any age, it is important to consider what you value and what your goals are for your life post-divorce. When your divorce comes after decades of marriage, your primary concern likely focuses on your ability to either retire on time or continue your retirement comfortably. A family law attorney can help you understand your priorities and pursue your goals.
