Every 10 seconds a Boomer turns 60 years old. Gray divorce is what many boomers face. Among U.S. adults over age 50, the divorce rate has doubled since 1994. Contrary to expectations, long term marriages are not immune to divorce and the largest increase (55%) is in first time marriages of over 20 years. With transition and the uncertainty of a divorce outcome, being able to meet one’s needs and protect wealth are the two priorities expressed most often by older individuals who divorce.
Widows see their income drop by 50% – don’t be one of them
In March 2013, Ginny McKinney and her husband, Dan, were shopping for a camper to pursue their dream of traveling to great golf courses around the country. Then Dan died of a heart attack. He was 62 years old and she was 59.
“It was devastating. Grief is like an onion. You have the initial shock of the loss itself, but then it keeps going deeper and deeper,” Ginny says.
And in Ginny’s case, the emotional challenges were compounded by financial setbacks.
Baby boomers are divorcing at a stunning rate
Looking ahead to the next phase of life can seem pretty dreadful if you can’t stand the person who you’ll be spending it with.
That may be what some boomers are facing. Among U.S. adults ages 50 and older, the divorce rate has roughly doubled since the 1990s, according to a Pew Research Center report. Statistically speaking we’re healthier and probably going to be living a lot longer — possibly 30 years longer — than average retirees once did.
9 Expert Tips For Negotiating an Alimony Settlement
Second only to child custody, alimony is one of the most contentious and difficult-to-navigate processes in any divorce. When two people are splitting up, particularly when that split is acrimonious, the last thing either of them wants to discuss is the prospect of giving money to each other. But, the topic has to be dealt with and the only way to do it successfully is to go in armed with as much knowledge as possible.
Why baby boomers are divorcing at a stunning rate
Lili Vasileff is quoted in a recent article by Angela Moore for Market Watch on why older couples are deciding to divorce in record numbers. Lili says, “What’s pushing gray divorce is people are living longer and they feel more entitled to living fully. They’ve contributed to raising children, they want an emotional journey, it’s their time now. They may have decades ahead and don’t want to be unhappy anymore.”