While the overall divorce rate has been declining, one type of divorce is on the rise: so-called "gray divorce." Divorcing adults over the age of 50 are divorcing at rates significantly greater than other age groups. The reasons for this discrepancy are as varied as the reasons that couples get married in the first place. Some gray divorces are a result of years of pent-up dissatisfaction, whereas others are a result of changing life circumstances, differing goals, infidelity, a lack of intimacy, or countless other reasons.
Regardless of the reasons for divorce, gray divorces are typically more complex than divorce cases involving younger couples. Older adults often have decades of accumulated assets, investments, and debts that must be considered during the divorce process. Additionally, gray divorces may involve emotional issues such as caring for aging parents or providing support for adult children as well as grandchildren. In these complicated scenarios, collaborative law can provide a way forward for divorcing couples by allowing them to negotiate their own divorce settlement outside of the courtroom.
Collaborative Law May Keep Your Divorce Case Out of Court
Alternative resolution methods like collaborative law are emerging as a preferred option for many couples. This process is often simpler and less adversarial than court proceedings, allowing spouses to focus on resolving their divorce more efficiently. Additionally, collaborative law helps keep the conversation focused on resolving issues rather than escalating tensions between parties and can help both sides come to an agreement without involving costly courtroom hearings. Through the collaborative process, divorcing couples are able to take control over their own destiny instead of having a judge make decisions for them.
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