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Divorce affects older children as well

On Behalf of | May 31, 2016 | Family Law

Divorce rates among older couples are increasing at an impressive rate. These late-divorces come with new problems like how to deal with retirement, pensions and properties at an age when they are approaching retirement and may be unable to work. Additionally, there is a tendency among late-divorce couples to treat their adult children as unaffected by their decision to divorce. But research is showing that divorces are incredibly difficult on adult children.

For adult children, there are very few therapy and support options available. Unfortunately, even for those adult children who do find a therapist, that therapist often must rely on intuition or cross-apply principles because little study has been done in this area.

Regardless of age, children always worry that they were the cause of the divorce. Researchers advise that parents approach their children together to discuss the issue, to remind them that they did not cause the divorce. Another issue that older parents may not consider is how to break the news. Some parents, taking for granted that this decision was months if not years in the making, may not appreciate that this was unexpected. News of this magnitude should be delivered in person, not over text or the phone.

If you are thinking about getting a divorce, you may want to call an attorney. There are a plethora of financial, tax and legal issues that you probably have not considered. As you can see, even your adult children may be seriously affected. An attorney can provide you with the experience and information necessary to make the best possible decision for yourself and your children. Don’t compromise your happiness; do what you need to do.

Source: Herald Tribune, “Late divorce affects children, no matter how old,” Jane Gordon Julien, May 24, 2016

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