Spurring social change again, the baby boomer generation is seeing an increase in their divorce rate. Many members of this generation are now finding that moving on may be a better option for their relationships.
The baby boomer generation, those born after WWII between 1946 and 1964, have consistently been leaders in the social change movement. Recently it appears that their marriages are increasingly ending in divorce. According to the National Center for Family & Marriage Research, divorce rates among this general have doubled during the past two decades. There are many reasons for this increase. In some cases one of the spouses finds a new partner. In addition, many women no longer need to rely on their spouse for financial support. Finally, many boomers believe that life is too short to remain unhappy.
Among the baby boomers who are going through divorce, one of the most contentious issues is alimony. New Jersey has four different types of alimony: permanent, rehabilitative, limited duration and reimbursement. Permanent alimony is awarded when a spouse in a long-term marriage did not have a career. Rehabilitative is for a short period of time while the spouse looks for employment. Limited duration lasts for a fixed period of time. Reimbursement is used when one spouse supported the other while they advanced their education.
Alimony is just one issue for baby boomers going through divorce. In order to achieve the best possible outcome in a divorce proceeding, a family law attorney skilled in divorce can provide advice tailored to a spouse’s unique situation.
Source: Grand Forks Herald, “Gray divorces rise as more baby boomers opt to end marriage,” Patricia Reaney, July 9, 2013
