Grey divorce occurs when two people are over 50 years old. The Sliver divorce rate is rising in many countries, including Australia, Britain, the US, and, more recently, India. Discover why so many splits happen later in life and how to start over.
Overview
If you’re unfamiliar with “silver divorce,” The trend of silver divorces is increasing in India, with more and more couples choosing to part ways after years of marriage. A silver divorce is a divorce between two people who are over the age of 50. Social norms are changing, and women are becoming increasingly independent, among other reasons. In this article, we’ll examine the trend in India and discuss the pros and cons of getting a divorce later in life.
Definition and Background of Silver Divorce
It refers to the phenomenon of divorce among older adults, typically those who are over the age of 50 or 60. The term silver refers to the color of hair that many people in this age group may have. Unlike younger couples typically seeking divorce due to issues such as infidelity or communication problems, silver divorce often occurs due to long-term marital problems that have been building up over the years.
Definition of Silver Divorce
Silver divorce is a new trend in India, where couples separate after 25 years or more of marriage. Couples who choose this type of divorce have no major issues with each other and are healthy. They want to live separate lives and are done with being together. An amicable divorce is on the rise in India. The couple agrees to separate and file for divorce.
The Rise of Silver Divorce in Recent Years
Silver divorce has become increasingly common in recent years. According to National Center for Health Statistics data, the divorce rate among those aged 50 and over doubled between 1990 and 2015. This trend has been attributed to a variety of factors.
- Reasons for Silver Divorce – There are several reasons why older adults may choose to divorce
- Changes in societal values and expectations – As society has become more accepting of divorce, older adults may feel more comfortable pursuing divorce as an option.
- Improved financial stability and independence – Many older adults are financially independent and no longer feel the need to stay in an unhappy marriage for financial reasons.
- The impact of empty nest syndrome – Once children leave the family home, couples may realize they have grown apart and no longer share the same interests or values.
The Growing Silver Divorce Trend in India
Silver divorce is a relatively new trend in India that’s gaining attention from all corners of the country. A silver divorce is when both parties are over 50 and want to divorce. There are several reasons why India is seeing a surge in silver divorces. The first is that Indian society is changing. It is becoming more acceptable as more people retire and live on their own. In addition, more women are joining the workforce than ever, so couples are getting divorced to live independently. Whatever the reason, silver divorce is on the rise in India, and it’s likely to grow in popularity.
Common Reasons Behind Silver Divorce
In India, divorce rates are on the rise for a few reasons.
Often, couples divorce in their golden years after being together for years and growing apart. They may have different interests and no longer share the same values or goals. It’s not uncommon for people to get a silver divorce if one person is sick and the other can’t handle it.
The couple may have grown old together, but one person is still healthy and wants to keep living, while the other wants to end their days peacefully. Whatever the reason, it’s essential to understand what a silver divorce is and what it means.
The Process of Silver Divorce
The process of silver divorce can be complex, especially when it comes to property division, alimony, and retirement benefits. Some important steps in the process include:
- Seeking legal representation – Both parties need to have legal representation during the divorce process to ensure that their interests are protected.
- Navigating property division – Dividing assets such as homes, investments, and personal property can be complicated. It is important to clearly understand each asset’s value and how it should be divided.
- Navigating alimony and retirement benefits – In many cases, one spouse may be entitled to alimony or retirement benefits. Understanding the legal requirements and options for these types of financial support is important.
Coping with Silver Divorce
Divorce can be emotionally challenging, especially for older adults who may have spent decades with their spouse. Some strategies for coping with silver divorce include:
- Emotional support and therapy
Many people find it helpful to seek support from a therapist or support group to help them process their emotions and navigate the challenges of divorce.
- Building a new support system
Building a new support system of friends and family members who can provide emotional support and companionship is important.
- Focusing on personal growth and self-care
Divorce can be an opportunity to focus on personal growth and self-care. This may include pursuing new hobbies or interests, engaging in physical exercise, or practising mindfulness and meditation.
Challenges and Obstacles Faced by Silver Divorces in India
In India, silver divorcees are often met with many obstacles and challenges. These can range from lack of legal assistance to social stigma.
Lack of legal assistance is one of the main challenges, as divorces in India can be complicated and tedious if not handled properly. Due to the lack of awareness surrounding silver divorcees in India often face difficulty finding lawyers willing to take on their cases. Additionally, these divorces typically involve complicated financial settlements requiring specialists with knowledge and experience to manage them.
Also, silver divorcees face social stigma in India. In India, divorce is still taboo, so those who choose to do it often face judgment from their families and society. As a result, they might feel ashamed or embarrassed, making things even harder.
Some of the Silver Divorce Couples
Several Indian women, often women who are tired of fighting and putting themselves last, are getting “silver” divorces in their later years. Some of them are:
It’s unbelievable that Arti Krishnan, a Bangalore travel industry professional, split up with her husband even during the pandemic after 30 years of marriage. Even though she had two grown daughters who supported their father, she left her controlling mother-in-law and her long-time partner, who put his mother before his wife. Since I married young and hadn’t even realized I could make my own decisions, she said, I made compromises for years.
Her career gave her an outlet, and she also tried to please everyone. While working so hard to keep the marriage together, she felt underappreciated. She gave up, and it unravelled. She’s divorced and lives in a compact apartment “with even less money but a lot more peace.” If my daughters get disappointed in a relationship, they have a choice, and if that doesn’t work, they should choose happiness.
During surgery, a woman in her 80s who had been married for 53 years woke up and told her husband she didn’t want to spend the rest of her life with him. This lady isn’t the only one. The divorce rate in India is only about 1%, but the UN report “Progress of the World’s Women 2019-2020 says the rate has doubled over the last two decades.
A 64-year-old Mumbai resident whose 35-year marriage ended in divorce in 2019 is also unhappy. Due to his freedom from having to “toe her line” and refrain from socializing or engaging in his hobbies, he was “not afraid of wandering alone through my sunset years.He continued, You have only one life.
Conclusion
What’s a silver divorce? It is when couples over 50 get divorced. There are many reasons couples may choose to divorce later in life, and often it has nothing to do with infidelity or financial issues. In India, divorce is slowly but surely on the rise, despite the social stigma still attached to it. Sometimes it’s just two people who have grown apart and don’t want to get married anymore. You should seek professional help if you’re considering a silver divorce. No matter your age, divorce is a big step, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Get in touch with our legal experts at Vakilsearch if you have any further questions regarding the topic.
FAQ’s on Silver Divorce
What is Silver Divorce?
Silver divorce refers to the trend of older adults, typically those over 50 or 60, getting a divorce. Unlike younger couples who may divorce due to specific issues like infidelity, Silver Divorce is often due to long-standing marital problems.
What are some common reasons for Silver's divorce?
Some common reasons for Silver's divorce include changes in societal values and expectations, improved financial stability and independence, and the impact of empty nest syndrome.
What should I expect from the process of Silver Divorce?
The process of Silver Divorce can be complex, involving property division, alimony, and retirement benefits. Seeking legal representation is important to ensure your interests are protected. It would help if you also were prepared to navigate dividing assets, understand legal requirements for alimony and retirement benefits, and other legal complexities.
How can I cope with Silver divorce?
Coping with Silver Divorce can be emotionally challenging. Strategies for coping include seeking emotional support and therapy, building a new support system of friends and family members, and focusing on personal growth and self-care, such as pursuing new hobbies or interests, engaging in physical exercise, or practising mindfulness and meditation.
What is silver divorce?
Silver divorce refers to the dissolution of marriage that occurs among couples who are in their later years of life, typically aged 50 and above. It is called silver divorce because it pertains to couples with silver or graying hair, indicating their older age.
What is divorce in silver years?
Divorce in silver years is another term for silver divorce, which is the process of ending a marriage involving couples who are in their later stages of life, usually aged 50 and older.
What is the cause of grey divorce?
The cause of grey divorce, also known as silver divorce, can vary from one couple to another. However, some common reasons for divorce in older couples include growing apart over time, empty nest syndrome (when children leave home), financial issues, and differences in lifestyle goals for retirement.
What is gray or grey divorce?
Gray or grey divorce is a term used to describe the divorce process among couples in their later years, typically aged 50 and above. The word 'gray' or 'grey' signifies the older age of the individuals involved.
Can I take divorce after 7 years of marriage?
Yes, you can file for divorce after 7 years of marriage, depending on the laws of your country or state. The specific requirements and waiting periods for divorce may vary, so it is essential to consult with a legal professional to understand the divorce process in your jurisdiction.
What is silent divorce?
The term 'silent divorce' is often used to describe a situation where a couple decides to end their marriage without formally going through the legal process of divorce. This may involve living separate lives while still legally married, but without pursuing a formal divorce decree. It is important to note that the implications and legal status of a 'silent divorce' may differ based on the laws of the country or state.
