Consider a collaborative divorce when splitting after 50

If you are over the age of 50 and considering divorce from your spouse, you are not alone. The divorce rate is rising among seniors more than any other group, so much so that the term “gray divorce” is in widespread use to describe the trend. 

Divorce is not easy at any age, and in some respects it can be harder for seniors. However, there are options available that can make it easier. One of these is collaborative divorce. This involves you and your spouse coming together with professionals to form a team. This collaborative approach allows you to work out your differences with a non-adversarial approach. It can benefit people over 50 in particular ways. 

Amicable relationships

When you divorce after age 50, chances are good that you and your spouse have children together. Your children may be older, but your divorce can still be hard on them, as well as their children, if they have any. 

Because collaborative divorce is a non-adversarial process, it helps you to maintain an amicable relationship with your ex-spouse. This helps make future graduations, weddings and other family events easier and more pleasant for everyone. If you still have children living at home, collaborative divorce also allows you to craft more creative parenting arrangements tailored to the needs of your family. 

Financial empowerment

You may feel that you are too financially dependent on your spouse to divorce, especially if you have spent many years out of the workforce during your marriage. Women tend to express this concern most often. Collaborative divorce allows you and your spouse to work out a plan for support that is agreeable to both of you. Compared to traditional litigation, the entire process is also much less expensive. 

In addition to the financial benefits, collaborative divorce also takes less time than litigation. This allows you to move on with your life more quickly rather than feeling trapped in seemingly endless and unproductive court proceedings.