Ending a marriage is never a simple or easy matter, and for those who are at or nearing retirement age, the changes that accompany divorce can be even more challenging. It is important for older spouses to have a plan of action for both their divorce itself and the years that will follow. The following tips are offered in the hopes of assisting Florida residents in creating their plan.
One thing to remember during the course of a divorce is that nothing about the shifting relationship with one’s spouse should be taken for granted. That means that the behaviors that defined the marriage may not be present during the divorce. While there is no need to take an aggressive or defensive stance against one’s spouse, it is important to be prepared to take charge of taking care of one’s own best interests.
Another important aspect of divorce is planning for the future. For spouses who have set their own career aside to care for the needs of their family, this is the time to begin searching for new opportunities. There are numerous ways to find work, including tapping into the resources that one builds over the years from school events, volunteer work and other endeavors. There are also many career paths that do not require a four-year degree.
When moving through the course of a Florida divorce, older spouses must make every effort to ensure that they negotiate the best possible settlement. Moving into the retirement years will be a far easier transition if there is the security of knowing that one’s financial needs will be covered. In combination with a solid divorce settlement, embarking upon a new career path can be an exciting time and a wonderful new beginning.
Source: Forbes, “How To Survive Divorce After 50“, Tania Brown, Sept. 29, 2016
