Gray divorce is more common than most people realize. Even while divorce rates have stabilized or declined among other demographics, divorces involving couples over the age of 50 have become more common. Some people refer to gray divorce as a silver splitter.
Regardless of the terminology used, a gray divorce can be a very challenging change to make later in life. Couples who have spent years or even decades sharing their lives and their resources suddenly have to start making arrangements to live separately.
Those contemplating a gray divorce or responding to a spouse’s filing often feel panicked and unsure of what steps to take next. What do older adults generally need to know about gray divorce?
Gray divorce is on the rise across Florida and the country
When looking at divorce statistics, gray divorce is more common now than divorce earlier in life. While divorce rates dropped for those under the age of 45 have dropped significantly in the last three decades, the opposite is true for older couples.
Adults aged 45 or older are now roughly two times more likely to divorce than they were in 1990. Adults over the age of 65 have roughly three times the risk of divorce that they may have previously faced. These divorces can drastically alter family dynamics and personal financial stability during retirement.
Florida does see a significant number of gray divorces every year. As a retirement hotspot for snowbirds, Florida is where many older couples settle to enjoy their golden years. As they start enjoying their retirement, they may begin realizing that their marriage is one of the most difficult aspects of their lives.
Factors including growing apart, adjusting to life without children, differing health challenges and misaligned personal priorities can lead to gray divorce. Either spouse may decide that they want to spend their golden years alone. Couples who are on the cusp of retirement or who have already retired have to then navigate a complicated gray divorce process.
What makes gray divorce different?
Technically, the same divorce rules apply regardless of the age of the people involved. The courts use the same standards when evaluating the need for alimony as they do for younger couples, and the same equitable distribution property rules apply.
Gray divorces typically do not involve custody concerns, as children in the family may have already reached adulthood themselves. However, parents divorcing after their children become independent should not discount the possibility of the divorce disrupting family relationships. Many older adults go through rough periods with their adult children and grandchildren after divorcing.
Gray divorces often have a higher chance of long-term alimony than divorces earlier in life, as the marriage likely lasted for decades and may have involved one spouse making career sacrifices for the family unit. Property division rules are also the same in a gray divorce, but the marital estate is likely far larger than it might be for younger divorcing couples.
Additionally, there is the pressure of looming or current retirement and the limited earning potential of the spouses to complicate asset distribution. Spouses have to divide their assets and financial obligations. They need to look into their eligibility for critical state benefits, like Medicare and Social Security retirement benefits. Those preparing for gray divorce typically need the help of an attorney familiar with these unique legal concerns.
Finding the best gray divorce lawyer in Florida
There are many attorneys in Fort Pierce or Vero Beach who might represent spouses during gray divorces. However, many of them may not have much experience with these challenging and often complex cases.
They may apply the exact same practices that they use when advocating for younger clients. They may fail to understand the unique pressures that the spouses face and how to develop a workable strategy for securing the best possible outcome. People who don’t select attorneys who understand their unique circumstances may not receive the nuanced advice and supportive advocacy they need for the best possible outcome.
Considering an attorney’s experience with gray divorces and their track record of advocating for their clients can help those facing a gray divorce identify the best legal representation possible given their needs and their circumstances.
Contacting George Lambeth Metcalfe, P.A. for support while preparing for gray divorce can help people navigate a challenging process successfully. Spouses preparing for a gray divorce can get started by clicking here or calling 772-292-0518.