Baby Boomers Divorcing More

It appears that the Baby Boom Generation could be starting a revolution in divorce court.  Overall, 61% of the nation’s top divorce attorneys say that they have seen an increase in the number of divorce cases among couples over 50-years of age, according to a recent survey of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML).  In addition, alimony was cited as the most common issue that these couples fight about by 38% of the respondents.

“Baby Boomers have regularly been catalysts for social change and getting divorced in their later years appears to be one of the most recent trends,” said Alton Abramowitz, president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.  “Alimony, business interests, and retirement accounts certainly represent some of the main concerns that need to be addressed and settled for spouses facing the end of their marriages in this over 50-year-old age group.”

In all, 61% of AAML members cited an increase in divorce cases among over 50-year-old couples during the past five years, while 37% said no change.  Among the issues most commonly fought over by these couples, alimony was at the top with 38% of the respondents, followed by 20% noting business interests, and 14% citing retirement accounts.  Wives over 50-years of age were most often seen as initiating the divorce by 22%, while 14% said the husband, and 64% saw no difference.

Category: Articles, Retirement Planning