It may be surprising to learn that the overall rate of divorce in Kentucky and across the United States is on the decline. For one particular demographic, however, the divorce rate has risen dramatically in recent years. In what has become known as gray divorce, the divorce rate among spouses age 50 or older has virtually doubled since 1990. So what is causing this phenomenon of gray divorce?
Longer life expectancy
Thanks to advancements in medicine and technology, people are living longer these days. This greater longevity seems to be boosting gray divorce rates. Those who have made it to retirement age can expect to live another 20 years or more. Many older adults are just no longer willing to spend 20 more years in an unhappy marriage.
Empty nests
A lot of older couples had children in the first years of their marriage. In many cases, raising the children became the primary focus of spouses, which left little time for them to bolster their marriages. When the children grow up and leave the nest, many older adults are finding they feel like strangers. The love they once had is gone.
Although separating from a long-time spouse can be stressful and unsettling, it can actually be a cause for optimism. In many cases, individuals who divorce later in life find that they now have the freedom to pursue lifelong goals and other things they’ve always wanted to accomplish. Any person in Kentucky, regardless of age, who is contemplating or going through divorce should consider seeking the appropriate legal representation. An experienced family law attorney can provide guidance and protect personal rights throughout the process of divorce.
