Whether the divorce is after a 5 month marriage or a 50 year marriage, divorce is hard, and unfortunately sometimes it is even nasty. But, when it comes to divorce matters between more mature couples, our team of Atlanta divorce attorneys have found that the divorce process is often more painful for the parties and often more contentious.
It is not surprising that for couples who have been married 20, 30 or even 40 years, the divorce process can be extremely painful and even scary because both parties are losing a companion that they have spent a large majority of their lives with. On top of the conflict that comes with divorce generally, an additional element that adds to the contention in grey divorce, or divorces between individuals over the age of 50, is the presence and influence of adult children in the process. It has been our experience that grey divorces are often made much longer and acrimonious due to the involvement of the couples' grown-up children, especially if there are step children or children from previous marriages involved.
Most often this acrimony is caused by children taking sides with one parent as a result of the other parents perceived wrong doing, or because the children feel as if they parent's spouse is seeking to take advantage of him or her. Not only may the involvement of adult children in their parents' divorce case elevate the level of contention in the divorce, but it may also delay or prolong the process as well. Adult children may interject their own emotions, opinions, goals and expectations into the divorce process, which often only serves to drive the parties further apart and entrench the parties in their positions.
Although adult children may view their actions as aiding their parents though the difficult process of divorce, they are often a hindrance. With that being said, if you are a mature adult going through the divorce process you should know that you and only you are the master of your divorce case. Seeking the divorce and counsel of family and friends is definitely advisable. Remember though, when it comes to deciding what is ultimately best for you during this life changing event, those decisions are yours to make - no one else's.