Your spouse of 25 years just completely shocked you by asking for a divorce. You are stunned and don’t understand what is happening. The two of you have been together since your freshman year of college and divorce was never on your radar. As you sit there in disbelief, you wonder what could have led your spouse to this point?
The United States is seeing an increase in divorce among the 50+ age group. One in four divorces occurs among this age group and it doesn’t look like that rate will be slowing down anytime soon. Researchers at Bowling Green State University in Ohio have dubbed this phenomenon “The gray divorce revolution.”
Reasons for gray divorce
Couples who are married for decades often settle into a comfortable pattern over the years. When one spouse suddenly announces that they want to leave, the other spouse is often blindsided. What could cause someone to file for divorce after 25 years of marriage? Some of the reasons this might happen include:
- General unhappiness: Your spouse may have been feeling unhappy for a long time, but never said anything. Now, as they approach their senior years, they don’t want to stay in an unhappy marriage.
- The kids have left the nest: Your spouse may have been waiting for the kids to grow up and move out before they themselves decided to leave.
- Infidelity or broken trust: These may have done too much damage to your once-strong marriage.
- Financial disputes: Maybe finances have been a problem for years and your spouse just can’t deal with it any longer.
Whatever the reason, you do not have to face this journey alone. If your spouse has asked you for a divorce after 25+ years together, contact an experienced legal guide to review your options.