Looking for a fresh start in their golden years, more and more senior citizens across the country are filing for divorce. In fact, according to some studies, the divorce rate for those 50 and older has doubled since the 1990s, a trend with no signs of slowing anytime soon. Many seniors find that divorcing late in life has some significant advantages, along with some pitfalls and challenges younger divorcees may not experience.

Senior Divorces May Be Easier

Because there are usually no custody issues to resolve, “gray divorces,” as they're often called, are usually less contentious than those involving young parents. In many cases, both parties are tired of the marriage, which can often mean less fighting over assets and marital property, and a much simpler separation agreement. If you and your spouse can peacefully and easily resolve the issues, you may be able to simply file for divorce without an attorney or lengthy legal battles.

The Challenges of Filing for Divorce Later in Life

While getting divorced in your 60s or 70s may allow you to reclaim your life, some seniors express anxiety over companionship and worry that they may never be able to find another relationship. However, for many, this uncertainty is better than spending the rest of their lives in an unhappy marriage.

Older divorcees may also face financial challenges, since most already live on retirement or have a fixed income. Getting divorced cause a reduction in income, limiting options for those without many assets to begin with. However, some older couples divorce to take advantage of Medicaid insurance if one spouse faces large medical expenses and both are in agreement to prevent the assets to be spent on that.

For over 25 years, the trusted professionals at We The People of NY have been providing New Yorkers who are thinking of filing for divorce with the legal document preparation services they need. Visit their website now to see how they can help you file for divorce, call (212) 633-2200 with any questions, or just drop by their storefront for a free consultation today.