Divorce Over 50, What Everyone Needs to Know

If you are thinking about getting a divorce and you are fifty (50) years of age or older, you must consider a number of things before you go through with it. Later-in-life divorce is not easy for anyone, but if you go into it already possessing all of the knowledge you can acquire, you will be better prepared for the road ahead. With such knowledge, you will be armed with the information necessary to navigate an otherwise difficult process for your unique circumstances. Divorce is tough on people of all ages, but it can be even tougher for people age 50 and up for several reasons.

First and foremost, if you have lived with your spouse for decades, it can be harder to adjust to living alone and the newfound feelings of separation and loneliness. You may miss the companionship your spouse provided in social situations, as well as intimate ones. Do not worry; it happens to the best of us.

That being said, you can get through it. You need to give yourself time for your emotions to heal and time to adjust to all the changes you now will face. Many people come out stronger and feel better about themselves on the other side of their divorce.

Additionally, if one spouse has been out of the workforce for a while, re-entering it can be more challenging as an older adult. Even if you are able to secure a job, it may not pay as much as you would like (or need). In such a situation, you should consult with a career counselor to determine your strengths and possibly pursue educational opportunities before applying for jobs. You want to find the best fit for you and your new circumstances.

Next, divorce often comes with a heftier price tag than people may expect. Even when you have an amicable situation, you may spend thousands of dollars ironing out the details of the divorce and separation. Your financial situation often times is more delicate than one for a younger individual because you simply have more to lose than they do in a divorce.

Accordingly, it is best to speak with an experienced Georgia divorce attorney as soon as possible to know how your finances will be impacted. The more you prepare for a meeting with a lawyer, the more you will get out of the consultation. Gather all relevant financial paperwork pertaining to bank, savings, credit, investments, and retirement accounts ahead of time to streamline the process. The more information that you can provide to an attorney, the more detailed of an analysis the attorney can give to you about what to expect moving forward.

Finally, many people in their 50s or older will have children in their 20s and 30s. Do not think that your children will not be affected by your divorce just because they are not minors. Some adult children will accept your divorce right away, feeling relieved that the tension and fighting has stopped and that you are happier. Others, however, may refuse to visit until they work out their own feelings about the situation. As much as your later-in-life divorce won’t be easy for you, it probably will not be easy for your children either. It will take time for everyone to adjust to the changes. The same may apply to your grandchildren.

Just as your children may be impacted, many divorced people are shocked by changes in their friendships. Some friendships that have lasted for years suddenly end once you are divorced. Other friends might help you through the divorce, but may not be there for you when it is finished. Some of your friends are friends with both you and your spouse, and just like your children, do not want to have to choose between the two of you. By preparing for this shift, you can adapt to these changes better. Also, you can meet new people through social groups that are not always focused on divorce. You will make new friends who can help you through a different part of life.

Divorce does not mean that your life is over. You can find a new way of living after divorce. You just need to be as prepared as you can.

An experienced and compassionate Georgia divorce attorney can assist you in the process. Call today at (770) 461-2025 to schedule a free consultation regarding your divorce matter. The divorce attorneys at Brown, Barbour, & Thrailkill, P.C. will help you find the best solution for your needs.