When the youngest child moves out of the house, and the parents are once again living on their own, they are often referred to as empty nesters. For many, this happens when their children leave to go to college, get a job, join the military or take other similar steps.
One important thing to keep in mind is that becoming empty nesters can sometimes cause a couple to get divorced. This may be surprising to their adult children, and to their friends and family members, but it is a notable trend. Why does this happen so often, and what does it mean for a divorce case?
New life stages
Often, becoming empty nesters is just a different life stage. Parents may have more free time to think about their own relationship now that they are not distracted by raising their children. They may also talk about the future and how they envision it, and they may find that they see their future much differently than their spouse, leading to a divorce.
Additional financial complications
Because the parents are empty nesters, their divorce is simplified in some sense because they do not have to address child custody rights. But it can actually be more complicated financially.
Older couples have more assets to split up, for example, and may have complicated assets like investments, real estate or businesses. On top of that, they have to think about retirement and how to split up savings, retirement plans, pensions or benefits earned through an employer.
If you and your spouse are heading toward a divorce this year, it is very important that you understand your rights when it comes to property division. It can help to work with an experienced divorce attorney as you navigate this process.