Divorce cases and family court proceedings are as prevalent now as they’ve every been, which means that experienced and reliable family court attorneys are at a premium. Even those among more “old school” populations are opting for divorce more and more these days. According to USA Today and the Chicago Tribune, divorce rates doubled among those ages 50+ between 1990 and 2010. For the first time in our country’s history, we’re seeing an influx of divorce cases from couples who traditionally would have stayed together. What’s the reason for this phenomenon, and why are senior couples more likely to seek divorce as an option in the 21st century?
- Removal of social stigma of divorce: In the past, older couples from more traditional generations would stay in an unhappy marriage to avoid the social stigma associated with divorce. These days, that stigma is disregarded in most circles, so married couples are more comfortable with parting ways.
- Empty nest syndrome: In many cases, the marriage will fall apart when the children leave the home. It’s usually a case of either the parents waiting until the kids leave to carry out the predetermined decision to split up, or realizing how far they’ve grown apart once they’re the only ones in the house and choosing to separate then.
- Midlife crises: Some individuals get tired of their marriages as they get older and decide they want to relive their youth – including the courtship phase. These individuals decide to divorce so that they can pursue their interests, however whimsical they may be.
- Illness or death: Under unfortunate circumstances, the older couple divorces due to the illness of one of the spouses or because of an illness or death of a loved one.
These are just some of the reasons that we’re seeing a significant trend in divorces among older couples. The conclusion, however, is the same: more and more couples need the services of family court attorneys, especially to handle the specific aspects of divorce for long-lasting marriages. If you’ve decided that it’s time to talk about divorce, talk with a family court attorney right here in Downtown Charleston who can help you get through this stressful time. Call Ayers Family Law Firm today to talk about your case and how we can help.
