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What Causes Gray Divorce?

Gray divorce refers to couples over 50 choosing to divorce later in life, often after decades of marriage. Arons & Solomon Divorce Lawyers, experienced Bergen County divorce lawyers in Hackensack, NJ, provide guidance on property division, spousal support, and more. Call 201-487-1199 today for compassionate counsel and a free consultation.

As more people over the age of 50 decide to end their marriages, the term “gray divorce” has become more common. Family members and friends may be surprised to learn that ‌there are many reasons why long-married couples may decide to divorce.

Our firm, located in Hackensack, the heart of Bergen County, New Jersey, understands the complex emotional and legal challenges that gray divorce can bring. We offer compassionate support and experienced counsel to help guide you through property division, spousal support, and other crucial matters unique to later-in-life divorces. Contact us today.

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Why Choose Arons & Solomon Divorce Lawyers for Help With a Gray Divorce in Bergen County, NJ?

Navigating the complexities of a late-life separation demands a uniquely tailored approach. You need a divorce attorney who acknowledges the specific financial considerations, emotional landscapes, and long-term planning needs inherent in this distinct life phase.

The attorneys at Arons & Solomon Divorce Lawyers understand this. We possess the legal acumen to dissect intricate asset divisions or retirement plans and the sensitivity to guide our clients through the emotional turbulence.

Our Bergen County divorce attorneys have 150+ years of combined experience in family law. We understand what causes gray divorce in Bergen County, NJ, and we recognize the gravity of these transitions. Our focus is always on empowering you to navigate this chapter with dignity and strength.

Call us today to speak to a Bergen County gray divorce attorney who aims to prioritize your immediate well-being and future security.

What Can Lead to Gray Divorce?

Gray divorce is sometimes called “late-life divorce” or “silver divorce.” The term “gray” comes from the assumption that by this age, many people have gray hair and have been married for a long time. The rate of gray divorce has been rising in the United States for the past few decades. According to the U.S. Census Bureau and other national studies, the divorce rate for people over 50 has nearly doubled over the last several decades.

Unlike divorces among younger couples, gray divorces rarely involve custody battles over young children. However, they often involve complex issues like dividing retirement accounts, pensions, long-term investments, and family homes.

An experienced Bergen County gray divorce attorney can help you navigate these complex issues and explain your legal options.

Growing Apart Over Time

One of the most common reasons older couples divorce is that they simply grow apart. After raising children, building careers, and facing life’s ups and downs together, some couples realize they are no longer emotionally close.

In the early years of marriage, couples often focus on shared goals—like raising kids or buying a home. Once those goals are met, some couples discover they no longer have much in common. They may feel like roommates rather than romantic partners. Without the daily responsibilities of child-rearing or demanding work schedules, the emotional distance becomes clearer.

This slow drift apart can happen over many years, and it often leads to a feeling of loneliness within the marriage. When couples no longer feel connected and have no reason to stay together, they may decide it’s better to start fresh, even later in life.

Retirement Brings Major Life Changes

Retirement can be a big adjustment for any couple. While many people look forward to retirement as a time to relax and enjoy life, it can also bring stress and unexpected challenges.

For some couples, retirement means spending much more time together. This can reveal tensions that were easily ignored when both spouses were busy with work, children, or other pre-retirement life responsibilities. If spouses don’t share similar interests or goals for retirement, it can create conflict. One spouse may want to travel and be active, while the other prefers a quiet and simple life at home.

Retirement also changes a couple’s financial situation. Worries about money, or disagreements over how to spend retirement savings, can cause tension. When combined with other unresolved problems, this can push couples toward divorce.

Financial Differences and Disagreements

Money is one of the top causes of stress in any marriage—and gray divorces are no exception. Over the years, different spending habits, saving goals, and financial priorities can create major conflicts. Sometimes, one spouse may have taken on more financial responsibility, leading to resentment or imbalance. Other times, hidden debt, overspending, or disagreements about major purchases can lead to serious fights.

As couples approach retirement, financial security becomes more critical. If one spouse feels the other is putting that security at risk, it may be the final straw. Divorce might feel like the only way to protect one’s own future.

Infidelity and Emotional Affairs

While many assume cheating is more common among younger people, infidelity can also play a role in gray divorce. After years of feeling unfulfilled or emotionally disconnected, one partner may seek affection or attention outside the marriage.

Emotional affairs—where a person becomes deeply connected to someone other than their spouse—can be just as damaging as physical cheating. In the age of social media, it’s easier than ever to reconnect with past loves or form new online relationships, which can lead to betrayal and heartbreak. For older couples, infidelity may not be the only reason for divorce, but it can be the breaking point that leads to the decision to end the relationship.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Bergen County Gray Divorce Attorneys Today

Gray divorce may seem unexpected, especially after decades of marriage—but it’s more common today than ever. From growing apart to navigating major life transitions like retirement and empty nesting, older couples face many challenges that can lead to the decision to separate.

In some cases, divorce offers the chance to find peace, personal growth, and fulfillment in the next phase of life. At Arons & Solomon Divorce Lawyers, we understand the unique concerns of divorcing later in life. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or ready to take the next step, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity, compassion, and care.