There is potentially a link between becoming empty-nesters and getting a divorce. After all, gray divorce is on the rise. Many people who are 50 years old and older have recently become empty-nesters when their children moved out of the house.
But why does this correlation exist? What is it about the children moving out that causes couples to reconsider their relationship? There are a few different things to keep in mind.
The children may have been a distraction
First and foremost, raising children takes time and energy. It can often act as a distraction from the issues that the couple has in their marriage. They may have been growing apart, or their marriage may have been eroding so that their personal relationship is not the same, but they just didn’t realize it until the children moved out of the house. This is when they reassess the situation and decide that changes are necessary.
Some couples stay together for the children
Additionally, there are couples who will intentionally stay married, even though they want to get a divorce, just because they believe it’s better to stay together for the children. It is true that every situation is unique, but it’s important to note that some experts believe it is not always best for parents to stay together just for their kids. What is actually best is for parents to be involved in their children’s lives, whether or not they are married.
At the end of the day, divorce is very complex at any age. Those who are moving toward it need to be sure they understand exactly what legal options they have.
