A Baby Boomer Phenomenon? Exploring Gray Divorce in Ohio

A Baby Boomer Phenomenon? Exploring Gray Divorce in Ohio

Gray Divorce in Ohio Rates Among Baby Boomers

In my practice as an Ohio divorce attorney, I continue to see more and more older couples pursuing what is often called a gray divorce in Ohio.. It seems like this is a good time to post an update on this topic. My last article was on May 4, 2024, which also included links to 5 previous posts of ours on this trend.

A “gray divorce” is a divorce after the age of 50. In Ohio, divorce among those 65 and older has skyrocketed within the past few decades. According to a 2024 report conducted by the National Center for Family & Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University (BGSU), the share of divorce rates among adults age 65 and older has nearly tripled since 1990. Interestingly, the research also demonstrates that divorce rates among those aged 50 to 64 slightly declined in 2022, indicating that gray divorce is more common among the baby boomer generation, or those born between the years 1946 and 1964.… View Full Article → “A Baby Boomer Phenomenon? Exploring Gray Divorce in Ohio”

Debunking the Frequency of Divorce Myth

divorce rate myth

The Truth aout the Divorce rate myth.

Why the Divorce Rate Myth Persists

The idea that half of all marriages fail is part of the long-standing divorce rate myth that continues to mislead couples and policymakers. Fifty percent of all marriages in the United States end in divorce. A statistic that we have heard time and time again, but is that really true or is it a myth? As it turns out, this is not a true statement, and in face it is all part of the great divorce myth.

In many states lawmakers are seeking changes in the law that would make a no-fault divorce difficult to get. A no-fault divorce is what it sounds like. Either spouse can file for a divorce without having to provide proof that their spouse did anything wrong. Those lawmakers who are pushing for laws to make it more difficult to obtain a divorce feel that making it a no-fault proceeding contributes to a rising divorce rate.… View Full Article → “Debunking the Frequency of Divorce Myth”

Gray Divorce – Legal Nuances for Seniors to Consider before Filing for Divorce

gray divorce senior

The financial implications for older couples, including the division of assets, health insurance issues, and disparities in post-divorce wealth.

For those of you who follow my blog, you know that I am a big fan of following and studying statistics. “Gray divorce ” is a term that applies to couples who divorce at an older age. “Gray divorces” are on the increase. I have posted about them previously from as far back as 2015.

Here are links to some of those prior Gray divorce blogs:

  • Gray Divorce – Refocusing on Obtaining Experienced Legal Advice
  • Gray Divorce Rates Continue to Rise!
  • Gray Divorce and Hidden assets You Should Know About
  • Tips for Lawyers dealing with Gray Divorce Matters
  • Gray Divorce: Division of Retirement Asset Disparity
Key data on the rising rates of gray divorce, including insights from Susan Brown’s study.

While the divorce rate for younger couples is on the decline, since 1990 the divorce rate has doubled for couples over 55, and tripled for those over 65.… View Full Article → “Gray Divorce – Legal Nuances for Seniors to Consider before Filing for Divorce”

Gray Divorce – Refocusing and Obtaining Experienced Legal Advice

gray divorce

Securing A Divorce Lawyer For Experienced Gray Divorce Advice

Extended Mortality Rates and Financial Independence Has Led to Dramatic Rise in ‘Gray Divorce’ Over the Last Decade

The number of “gray divorces” has increased dramatically over the last 10 years. These are divorces between couples over age 50 and often in a long-term marriage. Here is a link to read the first blog post I wrote about it in 2015. This increase certainly may have been influenced by the extended mortality rates, societal shifts with less stigma regarding divorcing, as well as women becoming more independent financially.

When I talk with folks who fall into this category, I hear similar explanations why they want to end their long-term marriage. Often, I hear that they stayed together primarily for the sake of their minor children. Now that they are “empty nesters” they feel “free” to move on with their life and focus on their own wants.… View Full Article → “Gray Divorce – Refocusing and Obtaining Experienced Legal Advice”

Gray Divorce Rates Continue to Rise!

gray divorce

Rate Of “Gray Divorce” More Than Doubled For Couples Age 50 And Over

When it comes to divorce, could gray be the new black? The divorce rate in the United States of couples age 50 and over has more than doubled. According to research conducted by I-Fen Lin and Susan Brown, in 1990 1 out of 10 people that went through a divorce was over 50 years or older. Presently 1 in 4 people who get divorced fall into the age bracket of 50 or over. The research showed that gray divorces aren’t just for older couples who have been married previously. In fact greater than half of gray divorces are with husbands and wives who have been married 20 years of more.

Tipper and Al Gore are a classic example of a gray marriage. Married for 40 years, and with 4 children, they had grown apart and decided to part ways.… View Full Article → “Gray Divorce Rates Continue to Rise!”

Gray Divorce: Division of Retirement Assets Disparity

Be Sure To Hire A Divorce Attorney With Experience In “Gray Divorce” Cases

An interesting article published in the Arkansas Business Journal discussed the issue of divorce with retirement age individuals.  As a founding member of the International Academy of Attorneys for Divorce Over 50, I personally am quite familiar with the unique issues that often arise in these “gray divorce” cases. When discussing the financial background of many couples aged 50-60, the typical equal asset allocation can be problematic.

These couples are more likely to have combined their retirement planning and savings. Over the past 5 generations, the workplace demographics have shifted.  Often, many couples who marry today both pursue a career path and develop their own separate retirement accounts.  In the 1950’s and 1960’s, married couples often relied financially on the men in the relationship to be the primary “breadwinner”.  This means that when a retirement account is discovered during the divorce process, and it’s distributed equally, each party will be left with 50% of their retirement assets even though they are often only a few years away from retirement.  … View Full Article → “Gray Divorce: Division of Retirement Assets Disparity”