Many Illinois residents may be surprised to learn that the overall rate of divorce is on the decline across the country. For one specific demographic, however, the divorce rate has skyrocketed in recent years. In what has become known as gray divorce, more and more baby boomers are deciding to end their marriages and go their separate ways.
The reasons for gray divorce
The big question is what is causing the baby boomer generation to dissolve their marriages so late in life? It can be attributed to several different factors. For one, the societal stigmas that once surrounded divorce in America have all but faded in recent years. Also, life expectancies have increased thanks to advances in medicine and technology. It seems that many older spouses are just not wanting to spend their golden years in an unhappy marriage.
Another thing to take into consideration is that most baby boomer couples have already raised their families. After their kids leave the nest, spouses may discover that they are different people than they were in the early days of their marriage. Things they once had in common have been buried in favor of raising a family. Instead of rekindling the relationship, some older spouses are simply choosing to seek happiness elsewhere.
Getting help with divorce
No person goes into marriage expecting to divorce. Although a marital breakup can be stressful, it can also be a time of optimism and personal rediscovery. Those in Illinois who have questions or may be considering divorce can get help by consulting an experienced lawyer. A knowledgeable family law attorney can provide much-needed guidance to help individuals get through a divorce and get on with their lives.