Divorce is difficult at any age, but people divorcing later in life have a different set of circumstances to contend with than those getting divorced at a younger age. Most often, people divorcing in their 60s have likely been married more than 20 years, sometimes 30+ years. In most cases, if there were children of the marriage, the children are likely out of the house, but there are still very real consequences of renegotiating relationships, and perhaps a need for additional support. In gray divorces, often there are grandchildren that can be impacted by the split, and the mutual social relationships and ties, whether it be to friends, social circles, or religious and community organizations. stretches back over a much more significant span of the person’s life.
Divorce in your 60s may necessitate adjustments to retirement plans, lifestyle, expectations, and long-term goals in a way that might not otherwise be the case in an earlier stage divorce.
The financial implications are also different. People divorcing when they are already retired, and perhaps living on their retirement assets, are in a different situation than those employed and planning for their retirement. There are different alimony and retirement considerations, especially when one spouse may be already retired and the other nearing retirement.
There are health considerations later in life and increased healthcare needs that often come with aging that could complicate a later life divorce and perhaps impact health insurance and maintenance of these expenses.
When divorcing at 60 you will need to revisit and update wills, estate plans, and beneficiaries, which could be much more significant and necessary in a later life divorce.
People often attempt mediation in later life divorce because if successful, the process takes a much shorter period of time and people find themselves much more interested in resolving their divorce quickly rather than allowing themselves to be embroiled in unnecessary litigation.
Why do people in their 60s get divorced?
People divorce at 60 for many of the same reasons that people divorce earlier on in life. The reasons may be the same, stressors, life changes, growing apart from your spouse, but the considerations and impacts can be much different when planning a later in life divorce.
Surviving divorce after 60
Not unlike divorce earlier on in life, divorce at 60 is an opportunity to embrace personal growth and focus on building a new chapter. It is important to have a strong support system and consult with mental health professionals. Support groups can help you cope with the decisions that will need to be made, such as finding new housing, maybe re-entering the workforce, or learning how to manage finances independently or just live independently after the dissolution of a long-term marriage.
Loneliness may accompany late life divorces in a different way than when divorcing earlier on in life because people often fear that there is less of an opportunity that they’ll meet another partner, or have an opportunity to fall in love again and fulfill social and emotional needs.
Is 65 too old for divorce?
Not at all. Many people are excited at the prospect of a new lease on life and spending this time in their life independent and free in a way that they had not been during the marriage.
Coping with divorce after 60
Here at DeTorres and DeGeorge our skilled family law practitioners are experienced in working with clients to navigate divorce at 60. We understand the changes that a divorce after a long-term marriage or divorce at this phase in life requires and the complexity of managing the impact of the divorce and balancing the concerns about divorce, the nuances of divorce at 60 and the anticipation of moving forward in a new chapter. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We are here to help!