Gray Divorce

Gray Divorce Attorney in East Islip, NY

In the U.S., almost one in every two marriages end in divorce. For those aged 50 and above, however, the divorce rate is significantly lower. Yet, there has been an increase in the number of older couples getting a “gray divorce.” 

The term gray divorce refers to couples over the age of 50 who are getting a divorce. Getting a divorce later in life can often come with different complexities than getting a divorce earlier in your marriage. This is mainly because individuals past the age of 50 are past their prime-income earning years. 

If you’re planning to file for gray divorce in East Islip, NY, you must have a family law attorney who can give you all the legal assistance you need during your divorce proceedings. At Donato Law, we have experienced East Islip gray divorce attorneys who can provide legal representation and help you through the divorce process. If you need help with your divorce paperwork, alimony, or marital property, contact our New York family law firm today for a consultation.

What is a Gray Divorce?

In general, gray divorce is are for couples who have been married for at least 30 years. These couples are part of Generation X or the baby boomer generation. Usually, these couples got married in their early 20s, had a couple of children, owned a house, and worked at a job with a retirement plan or pension. 

Couples can get divorced for several reasons. In a gray divorce, one of the reasons couples split is that both spouses have grown apart. Throughout a particularly long marriage, life goals and values may change. Sometimes, you and your spouse may have differing opinions about certain things, making it difficult for your marriage to continue. 

It’s never too late to pursue your happiness, so if your marriage is not working, consult with a gray divorce lawyer. Our experienced East Islip gray divorce attorney can guide you through the legal process of filing for divorce in New York. Our trusted family attorneys are here to help you through this confusing time and provide a solution that will serve your best interests and protect your legal rights. Contact us today at 631-920-3848 for more information.

Common Causes for Gray Divorce

Failed 2nd Marriage

Marrying again after getting divorced is not uncommon in the Baby Boomer generation. However, second, third, or fourth marriages have a much lower success rate. For people over 50 married more than once, the divorce rate is much higher than those with only one marriage. For remarried individuals over the age of 64, divorce is nearly four times higher than those who have only been married once. 

Postponed Divorce

Often couples who have children delay their divorce for their children’s sake. Either spouse isn’t happy with their marriage, but they choose to stay because they don’t want their children to grow up having a broken family. Once their children are grown, they decide to proceed with the divorce.

Empty Nest

For the most part of your marriage, you’ve spent most of your time raising your children. Now that your children are all grown up (e.g., getting married, going off to college, living on their own), you find yourself feeling alone. Without realizing it, you and your spouse have started to grow apart, become strangers to each other.

Retirement

Once you or your spouse retires, there will be changes in your lifestyle that can negatively affect your marriage. For most retired couples, the increased time they spend together only causes a rift between them, or that their interests in retirement aren’t the same.

Financial Issues

Similar to other divorces in New York, financial problems can lead to marital issues. Younger couples can easily fix financial mistakes. However, for older couples, it can be harder to deal with economic problems. For instance, older individuals may find it harder to look for jobs. 

Most individuals may also hold off on divorcing until they are financially stable. Usually, women who are more financially independent may be less likely to stay in an abusive marriage. Today, women between the age of 40 and 69 initiate divorce more than half of the time. 

Infidelity

Though not always the case, infidelity in marriage can lead to divorce. Some individuals are willing to move past their spouse’s mistakes for the greater good of their marriage or the benefit of their children. However, forgiving and forgetting is not easy to do. For many, cheating can bring feelings of pain, betrayal, and rejection.

Aside from the trust being gone, it can also bring up other problems in your marriage. After finding out about the affair, other issues may suddenly become more pronounced. Was cheating the root of your marital issues, or was it a manifestation of your already deteriorating marriage?

Cheating can bring emotional distress in the marriage, and sometimes the problems may be too hard to overcome leading to the dissolution of marriage.

Change in Lifestyle

Sometimes an individual’s retirement can bring drastic changes in their lives. If one partner retires while the other still works, it can bring resentment and feelings of abandonment in a marriage. Even if both spouses aren’t working, they may find that they have different interests that could lead them apart. This is especially true when no more children are staying in the home. 

Addiction and Mental Health

As people grow older, they start to have heightened mental needs. Older people usually have fewer family and friends. They can also become less physically active. These changes may lead to anxiety and depression. Some may find that resorting to alcohol, drugs, or other vices may be a way to deal with this kind of situation.

These can bring a rift between couples and lead to the breakdown of their marriage. If you’re finding yourself contemplating divorce after many years of marriage with your spouse, don’t hesitate to consult with a family law lawyer.

Gray divorce may bring discomfort and emotional stress, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our trusted gray divorce attorneys in East Islip, NY  will guide you through this stressful time and towards an outcome that best fits your situation. 

Call an East Islip Gray Divorce Attorney Today!

Divorce is never an easy process. Ending a long-standing marriage may intensify financial challenges and emotional needs. You don’t have to go through this challenging time alone. 

Our experienced East Islip gray divorce attorneys at Donato Law can provide legal assistance and representation. To consult with one of our compassionate family law attorneys in East Islip, NY, call us at 631-920-3848. You may also download our divorce ebook to know more about the different grounds for divorce, division of marital property, spousal support, and more.