Gray divorce is a trend in which couples in their 60s, 70s and 80s decide to end their marriages. Even if you have decided to divorce as a senior citizen, the prospect of going to court and fighting against your spouse in a litigation process that could take years and cost thousands can be intimidating.
There are, however, alternatives to taking your spouse to court. Collaborative divorce is an alternative that involves negotiating a mutually beneficial divorce agreement with the guidance of trained professionals. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, it offers potential benefits specifically for seniors.
Lower costs
If you are a retiree living on a fixed income, you may worry about what divorce will do to your finances. Collaborative divorce is comparatively less expensive than litigation. The former averages $10,000 to $25,000, while the latter can range from $50,000 to $75,000.
Friendlier process
Even if your children are grown, you will still have to see your ex-spouse at family gatherings such and weddings and graduations. The collaborative process helps you to maintain friendly relations with your ex-spouse so that seeing him or her at these future events will not be awkward or uncomfortable for you, your spouse and your friends and loved ones.
More privacy
Unlike divorce litigation, the collaborative process takes place in private. The participation agreement that all parties to the process must sign requires you to seek new representation if the collaborative process does not work out. This allows you to be more open during the proceedings knowing that what you share will remain confidential. It is rarely necessary to resort to litigation because the collaborative process is successful 90% of the time.