Certain milestones in life have a strong association with divorce. An empty nest is one of them. It takes 18 years or longer to raise children to adulthood and help them become independent. Parents often look forward to the financial freedom, calm and privacy that come from the children leaving home to live on their own. Frequently, those adjusting to an empty nest eventually decide to divorce their spouses.
Why does achieving this common goal for married parents often result in the end of their marriage?
People stay together for their kids
One of the reasons that empty nest divorces are so common is that parents often feel obliged to stay in a marriage for the benefit of their children. Once the children move out, they may then feel comfortable pursuing their own happiness. Those who stay together for the kids may file for divorce once the children have all left the home.
People grow apart
The children serve as a critical buffer for the parents’ relationship. They have something to bond over and talk about while their children are in the home. After the children leave, people may discover that they no longer relate as well to one another or have much in common.
Spouses living alone and preparing for retirement may worry that they may have to spend the rest of their lives in a stressful relationship. People preparing for divorce after their children are grown still have major issues to address.
Financial matters, including property division and spousal maintenance, are critical for those divorcing later in life after a long marriage. Preparing effectively for an empty nest gray divorce can make a major difference for those facing the end of a long-term union.