Not every couple who gets divorced is young or has only been married for a short time. In fact, there are plenty of couples who do not divorce until they are older in Tennessee. This is where the term “gray divorce” comes from, according to Forbes. It is coined after gray hair, which most older people have. While the concept of older people divorcing is nothing new, the term has only been around since 2004.
Gray divorce comes with many challenges that a divorce of younger partners does not. Lives are more entwined at this point, so dividing assets can be difficult. It may also be tough to distinguish martial property from non-marital property.
However, one of the biggest issues deals with retirement. Couples may already be into retirement when they decide to divorce or almost to the point of retirement. This can put a kink in future plans since the court will divide retirement accounts as assets. It could leave you with not enough money to live comfortably. You may have to go back to work or continue working longer.
Surprisingly, it can also be quite difficult for children to handle a divorce at this point, even when they are adults with their own families. It will take time for everyone to adjust to the changes.
Divorce at any stage of your marriage is not easy. There is always an end in sight. So, regardless of the hardships that come along with it, in the end, you should be able to find happiness in your new single life just like any other divorcee of any age. This information is for education and is not legal advice.
