Divorce After Retirement: What Older Couples Should Know

In recent years, divorce rates for older couples have crept up. Divorce involving aging couples is often referred to as “gray divorce,” and it involves unique challenges that those splitting up at a younger age may not have to deal with. Couples in this stage of life often have their lives completely intermingled, which makes it far more challenging to make a clean break and get a fresh start. Working closely with a divorce attorney with experience in gray divorces can streamline the process and help you prepare for what comes next.

For more than a decade, the team at the Law Office of Taylor B. Warner, APLC has served clients throughout Southern California. Attorney Taylor B. Warner is a California Bar Certified Family Law Specialist and has helped couples from all walks of life navigate their divorce and step into the next chapter of their life. Call our divorce law firm at 909-466-5575 to set up a consultation now.

Emotional Fallout of a Gray Divorce

Divorce is rarely emotionally easy, but it can be particularly painful for senior couples. While some of these divorces involve couples who got together later in life, many of them involve couples that have spent decades upon decades together. Ending a long-term marriage like that can dredge up intense feelings of grief, loss, and uncertainty. Even when one or both parties know that it’s the only way forward, the emotional fallout can be devastating.

What makes this even more difficult? Consider this—couples that have been together for that long have generally completely intertwined their lives. They share a family, friend circles, and often broader social networks. When one spouse goes to someone they trust for help and support during this painful time, odds are good that the person they choose is equally close to their spouse. Finding reliable sources of support while trying to avoid losing entire social circles and branches of the family tree is a struggle. Choosing a divorce lawyer who can help you handle important decisions even while you work through emotional challenges is crucial.

Financial Considerations

Many divorce attorneys report clients struggling with the financial changes that come with divorce. No matter how you slice it, taking the same amount of money you had before and stretching it to fund two households instead of one is going to be an adjustment. This is particularly true for senior couples. At this point in life, they have likely stopped working and are living off of their retirement savings, Social Security, and perhaps a pension. There isn’t an opportunity to build up their career skills, elevate their earning potential, and get back up to the standard of living they enjoyed before—unless they want to re-enter the workforce, which is uncommon.

Not only does aging come with financial concerns, but it also brings a plethora of health concerns that cut into your money and time. Working through these health issues and paying for the care you need is even more difficult when you are suddenly doing it alone and on a smaller income.

Living Arrangements

One of the biggest challenges faced by those going through a gray divorce is the sudden change in living arrangements. You and your spouse may be living in a paid-off house, and that means that either one of you has to find a new place—at today’s prices and interest rates—or you have to sell the house and both find new homes. With the possibility of assisted living care looming over the horizon, the decision to purchase a new home or rent may be a tough one. Additionally, if a couple has become accustomed to living in a mortgage-free home, suddenly having a monthly rent or mortgage bill can be a tough pill to swallow. As you work through your concerns with your divorce law firm, make sure you’re thinking about where you plan on settling down after your divorce is finalized.

Protect Your Legal Interests With the Divorce Lawyers at the Law Office of Taylor B. Warner, APLC

We understand that divorcing at an older age can be emotionally painful and financially challenging. Let’s talk about your next steps and figure out how you can prepare for—and even look forward to—this new chapter. Contact us online or call us at 909-466-5575.

Taylor Warner

Taylor has always been an advocate. Growing up the middle child with an older and a younger brother, Taylor developed a strong voice and personality and has always felt strongly about helping others. Becoming a lawyer seemed to fit Taylor’s personality and character – she is a strong leader and a bold advocate. Learn more here.