Getting a divorce in Arkansas and throughout the country can be an emotional process no matter how old you are. However, while the divorce rate has leveled off or declined for most Americans, it actually increased for those who are over the age of 50. Between 1990 and 2010, the divorce rate among this age group doubled.
Attitudes toward divorce have changed
Attitudes toward divorce have changed greatly over the past several decades. Today, individuals are given more leeway to choose for themselves if a relationship is worth staying in. According to one relationship coach, you are most likely to end a marriage after 20 years. This is because you may be starting to think about how you want to spend the rest of your life. If you aren’t emotionally connected with a spouse, it may seem appealing to simply end the marriage.
It could be worth trying to save a marriage
If you find that you don’t know how to communicate with your spouse anymore, it might be a good idea to try therapy. After a few sessions, it may be possible to learn how to talk again in a meaningful way. Of course, you still have the right to end the marriage regardless of how well these sessions go.
What if communication isn’t the problem?
While there are some issues that might be overcome simply by talking through them, this isn’t always the case. For instance, if you are the victim of emotional, physical or financial abuse, it may be in your best interest to simply leave your partner. This may be true whether or not you think there is a chance of rebuilding the relationship.
If you are going through a gray divorce, it may be a good idea to have the assistance of an attorney. Counsel might be able to provide information about how to split retirement accounts or how to claim Social Security benefits based on your estranged spouse’s work record.