Reach Out To Us Today: Greater Ogden 801-658-6901 | Greater Salt Lake 801-658-6901
Helping You Find
Real Solutions

What causes empty nesters to file for divorce?

On Behalf of | Jan 7, 2021 | Divorce

While some parents in Utah are dreading the day that their children are old enough to move out, they may be looking forward to spending more one-on-one time with their spouse. However, empty nesters aren’t always happily married couples. Recent studies have revealed that an increasing number of empty nesters file for divorce after their children leave the house.

How can empty nesting lead to divorce?

When the kids are gone, it’s just you and your spouse. For some couples, this offers an exciting opportunity to reconnect. However, it’s also the time when you realize that your spouse isn’t the same person that you married years ago. Unfortunately, some couples realize that they’ve grown apart and consider filing for divorce.

Many empty nesters also realize that they suddenly have to face issues that they brushed aside when their children were growing up. Now that their kids have left the house, they can’t use their children as an excuse not to get divorced. They might have to confront problems that they’ve been bottling up for the past several years. In some cases, this allows couples to talk about their issues and start fresh, but if they can’t overcome their differences, they might decide to get divorced.

Some empty nesters also grow apart because they neglect to include their spouse in their new hobbies. If they take up traveling after they retire and the kids move out, they might travel with their friends or other family members instead of their spouse. Their spouse might also pick up their own hobbies, widening the gap between them. Over time, the couple might realize that their marriage has become strained and distant.

Are you thinking about divorce?

If you’re an empty nester who’s thinking about filing for divorce, don’t hesitate to call a family law attorney. Your attorney might suggest other ways that you and your spouse can work out your issues. But if you realize that the marriage is over, an attorney may help you prepare for divorce.