Gray Divorce
Splitting in Your Golden Years
When are you too old to get a divorce? People may have strong opinions on the subject, but the truth is that it’s never too late to change your life if you’re unhappy.
“G ive light and people will find the way .” — E lla B aker
“Gray divorce” refers to a split between people who are older and have been married for a very long time. Those who have gray divorces are at least 50 but can be much older. The trend was widely discussed early this year when Bill and Melinda Gates announced an end to their 27-year marriage. We’ve also found that gray divorce has only increased since the start of COVID-19. When noting the common reasons for divorce, Michael Manely points to infidelity and financial concerns but adds, “The Grand Canyon wasn’t caused by a flash flood. It was a steady stream over many years.” Different stressors may have been eating at couples for decades, but the additional strain since 2020 started has caused them to come to a head. Michael notes, “People who previously would have tried to struggle through are now saying enough is enough.” Unfortunately, people who decide to divorce later in life are often given a lot of grief from family and friends. Adult children, especially, can take the news badly, asking questions like “Why now?” and “How could you?” The guilt can be hard on people choosing to initiate a divorce, as can the implication that it’s not worth seeking happiness at an advanced age. If you’re considering a gray divorce yourself, know that you’re not alone. Michael recently noted, “Of the last five consultations I did, four were gray divorce cases.” At the firm, we’re not in the business of judging, and we understand that divorce is a highly personal decision. We also believe that no matter how many years you have left, you deserve to spend them as happily as possible. Divorce is always complicated, but when someone has been married for 40 years, the emotional and historical baggage is enormous. You should weigh your options carefully and seek the advice of a professional. But if divorce is what you truly want, we can say from experience that, despite the difficulties, there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
S low C ooker S quash , K ale , and S ausage S oup
Inspired by SugarAndSoul.co
This healthy, savory soup is the perfect lunch for a cool fall day.
I ngredients
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1 tbsp vegetable oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste 4 cups chicken broth 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp Italian seasoning 3 cups kale, chopped 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
4 Italian chicken sausages, sliced to bite-size pieces
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6 cloves garlic
1 onion, chopped
6–7 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
D irections 1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook 4–5 minutes, stirring often, then remove from the pot and set aside. 2. Add garlic and onion to the pot. Sauté 4–5 minutes. Add squash, salt, and pepper. Sauté 8 minutes. 3. In a slow cooker, combine sautéed vegetables, sausage, chicken broth, and seasonings. Cook on low heat for 3 hours and 30 minutes. 4. Open the pot and add the kale. Cook another 20 minutes, then add the red wine vinegar and stir to combine. Cook 10 more minutes, then serve and enjoy!
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Cal l for a Consul tat ion: ( 866) 245-5685
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