Divorcing after 50 in California can be challenging, especially since most of these individuals have been married for a long time, and many of these marriages involve spouses in traditional roles. In many cases, at least one of the spouses is at retirement age or very close to it. Moving on after a gray divorce can seem impossible, but there are many things you can do to start this new stage in life successfully.
Focus on your health
Physical and emotional health should be top priorities. You can develop healthy habits such as doing regular exercise and eating a balanced diet, if you have not done so already. You should also seek emotional support from friends, family and even support groups for people in a similar situation. However, avoid depending on your adult children for emotional support during and after the divorce, as they are also working through their own issues related to the divorce.
Focus on your lifestyle
Gray divorce provides you with opportunities to create a lifestyle that suits you. During this time, you might decide to pursue a new hobby, expand your social circle and return to activities you might have enjoyed in the past but had given up when you got married.
Focus on your finances
A very important factor that can help you move on after gray divorce is finances. Before the divorce negotiations, you should have created a realistic picture of what your finances will look like after the divorce, including a budget that takes into account your income, your necessities and your lifestyle. Some of the things you can focus on as you negotiate include:
- The division of property
- Retirement accounts and insurance
- Spousal support
While it will take time to move on from your gray divorce, you can do it and find fulfillment and contentment in your new life. Make sure you prioritize yourself during this period and that you are also forgiving and kind to yourself as you work through these issues.