As you close in on retirement age, your life will change in many ways. For example, you may no longer have a career to keep you busy. Just the same, your children may be on their own now, thus leaving you with less responsibility on that front.
There are many causes of gray divorce, including but not limited to the following:
- Infidelity: Should you and/or your spouse begin to seek a relationship with another individual, it has the potential to result in divorce. This often happens later in life among married couples who are feeling bored in their relationship.
- Nothing in common: As you age, there’s a chance that you and your spouse could grow apart. And if that happens, divorce could be in the cards. What you had in common many years ago may not work for you any longer.
- Financial challenges: Just because you’re in the latter stages of your life doesn’t necessarily mean that your finances are in order. For example, you may be looking to retire in the near future, just to find that you don’t have as much money as you thought. This can drive a wedge between you and your spouse, often ending in divorce.
- Chemical dependency: From drugs to alcohol to prescription medication, chemical dependency can cause trouble in any marriage, regardless of age.
- An empty house: Many married couples look forward to the day when their children are on their own and they have an empty, quiet house. However, when this actually happens, you’ll find that your life is much different than it has been for the past few decades. An empty house is a quiet house. And an empty house can also result in boredom.
Understanding the primary causes of gray divorce may be able to help you prevent trouble before it’s too late.
However, should you realize that divorce is the only way to reclaim your life, don’t hesitate to learn more about the process, your legal rights and taking the first step. Once you know what you want, it’s easier to take the appropriate action at the appropriate time.