Grey Divorce: Complete Guide To The Silver Splitter

Splitting from your spouse is full of emotional turmoil and sadness at any age.

Within recent years, there’s been an increase in grey divorces or separations that happen around or after age 50.

These grey divorces, also known as “silver splitters,” occur in couples who have been together for 20, 30, even 40 years.

From kids moving out to one or both partners changing their needs and desires, there are many reasons spouses are ending their marriages later in life.

Navigating divorce after being together for so many years comes with even more complications. Follow this guide to understand why grey divorces happen and how you can manage the emotional and financial effects.

Differing Financial Priorities

Each partner may spend their money quite differently. This is especially prevalent if only one partner works or makes significantly more than their counterpart.

If one spouse has trouble sticking to a budget and isn’t contributing in any other way, it may cause tension and frustration in the marriage. And as the couple grows older, those strains are more likely to become dealbreakers

Change in Sex Life

Every individual’s libido and attraction to their partner will shift throughout their lifetime. But as people get older, these changes may settle in a lack of desire.

And when the other partner’s sex drive is still alive, and well, a declining sex life with their spouse can lead to resentment, even if they understand the fickle nature of their partner’s sex drive.

In some cases, this conflict can result in infidelity. And unfaithfulness can quickly break apart a marriage. If you’re unsure whether your marriage can heal from infidelity, this guide can help.

Yearning for Independence

For couples born in the Boomer generation, the structure of their marriage may already have been changing for many years.

More women are eager to exercise the independence they see in younger generations. That includes building a successful career and living on her own, maybe for the first time in her life.

Empty Nest Syndrome

Some couples are bonded solely by caring for their children. So when their kids move out and begin to build their own lives, couples may look at each other and realize they don’t recognize their spouse anymore.

Without noticing it, the love in their marriage may have faded. And without the responsibility of parenting their kids, ending the marriage may seem like the best decision for both parties.

How to Get Through It

There are ways to end your marriage without ending your friendship with your spouse.

When you hire a divorce attorney, even cooperative divorces become easier to manage. Both parties will have clear expectations for how the estate will be divided up, which will make it easier to begin a new chapter in their lives.

How to Survive Grey Divorce

A silver splitter doesn’t have to ruin the next few years of your life. A grey divorce can result in improved quality of life for both parties.

If you’re over 50 and have decided to divorce, whether amicable or contested, contact the divorce lawyers at Dalena & Bosch. We truly understand the emotional aspects and will guide you through the dissolution process with compassion and putting forth a thorough yet careful plan of action.