Understanding the Phenomena of Gray Divorce in Florida
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) coined the term ‘gray divorce’ many years ago. The term refers to divorcing couples who are 50 years of age or older. Currently the age of 50 being the start of gray divorce is a little premature, considering the increased length of the average lifespan.
However, the phenomenon of gray divorces is one that has been increasing rapidly over the last few years. According to the U.S. Census Department, 34.9 percent of divorces every year involve couples who are 55 years of age or older. These statistics beg the question as to why gray divorce is becoming so common. Below, our Tampa divorce attorney explains more.
Greater Life Spans
It is no secret that medical, technological, and scientific advancements have allowed Americans to lead healthier lives, which also means life spans are increasing. This can ultimately result in couples being more serious when reevaluating the next 20 or 30 years of their life. At the age of 50, they may not want to spend the next 30 years with the same person. As such, they may be more likely to pull the trigger on divorce than couples in past generations, who did not have life expectancies that were as long.
No Stigma Around Divorce
Today, the stigma surrounding divorce is lower than ever. Now, there are different definitions of family and marriage, divorces are more common today, and women are more economically independent. Due to these reasons, and others, older couples are more comfortable getting a divorce knowing they will not have the same degree of guilt or social backlash and financial repercussions.
Staying Together for the Kids
Older couples often mutually agree to a divorce, and this decision was not made recently. It is not uncommon for couples to stay together until the kids are fully raised and have moved from the family home. By the time that happens, many couples are 50 years of age or older and so, they get a gray divorce.
Divorce Rates for Remarriages are Significantly Higher
When an older person wants to dissolve their marriage, it is often not their first. Many people aged 50 years old or older are in their second or even third marriage. Divorce rates for subsequent marriages are much higher than first marriages. Approximately 30 to 50 percent of first marriages end in divorce. This increases to 60 percent in second marriages and 70 percent in third marriages. The statistics are against older couples in a subsequent marriage, which is another reason why the rate of gray divorces is also climbing.
Our Divorce Attorney in Tampa Can Help with Your Case
Gray divorces are becoming more common, but there are many unique factors to consider in these cases. At All Family Law Group, P.A., our Tampa divorce attorney can advise on what those are and help you resolve the many issues you will face so you obtain the full and fair settlement you are entitled to. Call us now at 813-672-1900 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation of your case and to learn more about how we can help. Se habla Español.
Source;
census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2021/demo/p70-167.pdf
