Divorce among people over 50 has increased significantly in the 21st century. As several news sources and even past blog posts discuss, divorcing later in life can leave individuals facing unique issues. For example, a longer marriage often means more time to accumulate assets, making the division of those assets even more complicated.
Aside from that, there are other specific matters individuals over 50 must address as well.
What are these “3 Fs” to consider?
The “three Fs” are actually important for anyone going through a divorce to consider. However, as stated above, there are unique contexts impacting each factor for people divorcing over 50. These factors – and their contexts – include:
- Family: Over the long years of your marriage, it is likely your family has grown. Your children are adults, who may have children of their own by now. If you and your spouse decide to end your marriage, you must come to terms with how you manage family matters going forward. For example, will you divide time, and take turns attending family events? Or will you attend events together?
- Feelings: A divorce is an inherently emotional process. It can take a toll on one’s mental health, and even more so for those over 50. The U.S. News & World Report stated that many older divorcees experience depression, often related to increased isolation. This isolation can lead to loneliness. In an empty nest after a divorce, it is not difficult to understand why loneliness can have such significant and detrimental effects on health.
- Future: There is still a long future ahead of you. It will be necessary to plan for it. You should reevaluate your retirement plans, your financial plans as well as your estate plan.
Even if a divorce upends your life in many ways, you can prepare for the changes. Carefully considering these three Fs and planning how to handle them will be an essential part of your preparation, in addition to the legal matters of your divorce in North Carolina.