Empty Nest Divorce in Florida: What You Need to Know

Getting married and having children is a natural part of life. Chances are you and your spouse worked hard to support your children and ensure they grew into well-rounded, smart, and successful children. 

However, time moves fast, and at some point, they will move away. 

When your children are gone, you no longer have people who need your focus and attention. For many, this is when the blatant issues with their marriage come to light. 

It doesn’t matter if you have been unhappy for a while or if it is something you just discovered; when your marriage is over, it is time to file for divorce. 

Divorce is rarely easy. It does not matter how long you have been married or how old you are. However, if you are an empty nester and going through a divorce, there are important issues you need to know about. Along with knowing the unique issues, you will face, hiring a Florida divorce attorney is smart. This will help you prepare for the process and know what to expect. 

The Empty Nest Divorce

Empty nest syndrome is a situation that occurs when parents begin to have feelings of loss, sadness, loneliness, and grief when their last child finally leaves home. 

Unfortunately, your marriage may end in divorce when empty nest syndrome occurs. 

If you plan to divorce at this time in your life, you should know some of the unique challenges you will face. These are explained here. 

Your Nest May Not Stay Empty

You may believe divorce will be easier because your kids are no longer at home. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. 

For example, if your child is going to a school that offers classes in two 15-week semesters, then it means that they will only be in school for 30 weeks of the year. Many children return home when they aren’t at school. 

Also, many children return home for a while after graduating. It decides to sell or keep the house extremely challenging. 

Who will live there if you decide to keep your house? Also, how can you be sure you can afford it? 

There’s a Higher Risk Associated with Empty Nest Divorce

If you have reached the point in your life where you are an empty nester, you are likely in your mid-50s and have been married for around 20 years. If you were the one who worked outside the home during your life, then you are likely in your peak earning years as either a business owner or employee. 

While your earnings may be higher than they have ever been, the risk of being replaced by someone cheaper and younger is higher than ever before. You are also much closer to retirement than you were a decade ago. 

However, if you stayed at home throughout your married years, you will likely be unable to catch up regarding what your spouse is earning (or has earned). In most cases, you must rely on alimony, which means you have a lot at stake if your ex-spouse loses their position because of ageism. 

This means you are both in a difficult situation, and it is something you must consider carefully. 

Let a Divorce Attorney Help with Your Case

If you believe you are headed to divorce, hiring a divorce lawyer is recommended. They can provide advice and guidance regarding the steps to take to help you deal with the challenges of an empty nester’s divorce.