It’s never too late to get a divorce. As such, many people over the age of 50 are getting a gray divorce. Gray divorce is a recently growing trend and many people are taking the opportunity to revive their individuality.
There’s a lot to consider when filing for a gray divorce. Firstly, you and your spouse likely built up a lot of marital assets during your long-term marriage, which will have to be separated equally (unless you have a prenup or postnup). Secondly, you’ll have to prepare to live off of one income, since you and your spouse may have combined them over the years.
Finally, you may want to let your children know of your plans. While your divorce won’t likely change anything about your adult children’s well-being, it may affect them in some way. Here’s what you should know:
Seeing your parents divorce
As your children grew up, they likely spent their entire life seeing their parents together. They saw everything good and bad about your marriage, even some of the things you may have shielded them from. In their mind, even as an adult, they see their parents as a unit.
The news that you and your spouse are getting a divorce may shatter your children’s reality. Your divorce may greatly upset them and they may need time to process things. However, you should remember that your children aren’t kids anymore and they should be capable of understanding your decision, even if they disagree with it.
Taking the right legal steps
When the time comes to tell your children about your divorce, you should be sure you understand everything that will change. You may need to reach out for legal help when planning out your divorce.