Late life divorce

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Late life divorce
1
Thu, 04-05-2007 - 10:38pm
Anyone here gone or going thru this? I'm nearing retirement age and am seriously thinking of divorcing.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-25-2006
Fri, 04-06-2007 - 9:21pm

Hi Jacquie,


A growing number of women over the age of 60 are divorcing these days. So, you're not alone, just harder to find others in your age group perhaps.


Anyone facing divorce needs to take into consideration a few practical things such as your ability to support yourself financially, whether through paid employment, pensions and social security, or another form of income from retirement or employment or a business.


You'll also need to consider your legal rights and obligations in regard to any retirement or pension you or your husband have accumulated over the course of your marriage. In some states, the divorcing spouse is entitled to half the other spouses retirement income or pension.


In addition, you'll need to consider your emotional, social, and personal goals and needs. If you are relatively active in your community or have a large network of social contacts, you may be able to transition to being single slightly more easily. You'll also have to consider the transition from "married" to "single" status. Often the biggest surprise to a divorcing woman (or man) is the reaction of his or her married friends. Sometimes it's negative; sometimes it's positive. You never know.


Good luck and get the advice of a competent divorce attorney before making your decision. It's important to understand your rights and obligations before filing papers.


Best wishes and keep us posted!


CL-Wisdomtooth2020