According to the Pew Research Center, 34% of couples married over 30 years found themselves going through a “gray” divorce. Reportedly, 12% of the couples surveyed noted a married life of at least 40 years.
Entering retirement as a single individual in Florida has become more acceptable with changing trends in the workforce, longevity and health care. Active Sunshine State senior citizens may take on a new part-time job, start a business or discover new hobbies they can enjoy. Several dating communities that focus on older adults meeting and building new relationships have grown in popularity.
Many individuals may need to request financial support from an ex-spouse to live the lifestyle they envision. Proceeds from an ex-spouse’s retirement fund or pension plan may provide the necessary financial means. By requesting a qualified domestic relations order from the fund’s administrator, a spouse may request the court to divide a 401(k) or pension plan. An individual might receive a percentage or lump sum based on the fund’s equity value.
During a divorce, a spouse may require regular financial payments or alimony to provide for a comfortable living. When negotiating the amount of support, a family court judge may determine how much is reasonably necessary based on the length of the marriage and each spouse’s age and health. Insurance and other benefits may also become part of a divorce settlement.
As reported by MarketWatch, individuals over the age of 60 who live alone spend about 11 hours by themselves each day. A newly divorced individual may overcome unexpected feelings of loneliness by joining shared-interest groups, exercising and meeting new friends. Doing so can help prevent social isolation and lessen the chance of negative feelings affecting their new life.
