More Pennsylvania baby boomers taking steps toward divorce

As people age and make it past certain milestones, they may be seen as a much stronger and dedicated couple than their younger counterparts. However, as the baby boomer generation ages, there is a noticeable uptick in how many couples who have been married for decades that are now headed for divorce. Any Pennsylvania couples divorcing in their golden years may be relieved to know the trend referred to as gray divorce is occurring everywhere.

It is currently estimated that one out of four people divorcing today are 50 or older. In 1990, that figure was only one in 10 people. There are a number of reasons for this growing trend, and there are also support groups cropping up to help these older couples readjust to life after divorce.

One reason some cite for the gray divorce trend is the fact that women of that generation do not need the financial support that their mothers or other women did. Women are simply more financially secure and do not need to remain in an unhappy marriage to avoid poverty. Another reason noted is the fact that people may realize after the kids are grown, they may still have 20 or 25 years left with their spouse. If there are already issues and diverging interests or priorities, divorce may provide a gateway to the life and plans that one or both parties want.

While any divorce is as unique and individual as the people involved, many couples of a certain age may find comfort in knowing they are not the only people over 50 seeking a new beginning. While Pennsylvania couples approaching retirement and seeking divorce may have different priorities and/or issues to iron out, compared to a divorcing couple with young children, the process may still be similar. Seeking the most up to date advice or information about divorce, property division and division of retirement accounts can be helpful when seeking a gray divorce.

Source: npr.org, Older Americans’ Breakups Are Causing A ‘Graying’ Divorce Trend, Ina Jaffe, Feb. 24, 2014