Why an Empty Nest Can Sometimes Lead to Divorce

 Posted on October 09, 2019 in Divorce

Empty nest syndrome – a term used to describe grief after children have permanently left the family home – is something that most parents expect to deal with because it is healthy for the children to move out when they become adults. Unfortunately, some couples add divorce onto that grief. They could go from a full family household to living alone in just a few years. The timing of divorce after the children have left is often more than a coincidence. Empty nest syndrome can lead to divorce, even if the marriage has lasted for decades.

Prolonged Marriage

Some parents intentionally wait until their children are adults to end their marriage in order to spare their children from the effects of divorce, such as shared parenting time arrangements. However, a couple may not realize that their marriage is in danger until it is just the two of them at home. Parenting demanded most of their attention and was their strongest bond with each other. Without their parenting responsibilities, their marriage relies on their relationship with each other. Some spouses find that they no longer have much in common or have incompatible personalities. They face the difficult choice of whether to tolerate an unhappy marriage, try to fix their issues, or end the marriage.

New Perspective

Children leaving the home is a landmark event for parents that can make them reassess their lives. What will replace the purpose and satisfaction that they got from parenting? Who do they want to spend the rest of their lives with? A person’s needs can change once parenting is no longer the focus of their life. Some couples conclude that they are more likely to be happy outside of their marriage or by pursuing new relationships. They may want to end the marriage while they are young enough to start over and change themselves.

Contact a Naperville Divorce Lawyer

Divorce for empty nesters is different than for younger couples:

• Child support and the allocation of parental responsibilities are no longer requirements in the divorce;
• Retirement assets have more immediate importance; and
• Long-term spousal maintenance may be required if the couple was married for decades.

It is vital that you take on your divorce with the legal representation that will address your needs. A DuPage County divorce attorney at Calabrese Associates, P.C., understands the priorities for divorcees who no longer have children living with them. To schedule a consultation, call 630-393-3111.

Source:

https://www.griefandsympathy.com/emptynestdivorce.html