Divorce after 50 (Gray Divorce: What to Expect)

Divorce after 50 (Gray Divorce: What to Expect)

by Jennifer Hargrave - Dallas Divorce Attorney | May 16, 2025

Episode Summary:

In this compelling episode of The Jennifer Hargrave Show, Jennifer Hargrave sits down with Dr. Kevin Carlson, a PhD psychologist and legal expert, to unpack the increasingly common phenomenon of gray divorce—divorce that occurs later in life, typically after age 50.

Drawing from decades of experience as a custody evaluator, trial consultant, and collaborative divorce advocate, Dr. Carlson explains how the needs and challenges of divorcing later in life differ dramatically from those of younger couples. Together, Jennifer and Dr. Carlson explore the emotional, financial, and social complexities that come with dissolving a decades-long marriage.

Whether you call it divorce after 50 or late-life divorce (sometimes even silver splitter divorce), our guide walks you through retirement and divorce, clarifies Social Security benefits after divorce, outlines gray divorce financial settlement realities and spousal support in gray divorce, addresses adult children and gray divorce concerns, cites key gray divorce statistics, and explores possibilities for remarriage after gray divorce.

They discuss the differing impacts on men and women, the often unseen grief cycles, the strain of economic transition, the loss of social status, and how collaborative divorce offers a more compassionate and practical alternative to litigation. The episode closes with wisdom for adult children of divorcing parents and encouragement for those facing a gray divorce to prioritize dignity, cooperation, and long-term well-being.

Refined Transcript

Jennifer Hargrave:
As a mother, wife, and divorce attorney with over 15 years of experience, I’ve seen how people navigate uncertainty and growth. One topic that’s increasingly relevant is gray divorce—divorces that occur later in life. I’m joined today by Dr. Kevin Carlson, a PhD psychologist and legal expert who advises family law professionals and litigants across Texas. Thank you for being here.

Dr. Kevin Carlson:
Thanks, Jennifer. Happy to be here.

Jennifer Hargrave:
We first met years ago at a collaborative divorce training. How did you become involved in that approach?

Dr. Kevin Carlson:
It started when one of the early pioneers of collaborative law invited me to help promote it. At first, I was skeptical—I didn’t think lawyers would buy into it. But over time, it’s become a mainstream part of family law with great outcomes. It really does reduce the trauma of divorce.

Jennifer Hargrave:
As someone who has worked with families in litigation, you’ve seen the long-term impact of courtroom battles, haven’t you?

Dr. Kevin Carlson:
Yes, and it’s not pretty. I’ve worked on custody evaluations where kids remember what their parents said about each other in court a decade ago. Those wounds linger—for both children and parents—and can have lasting, generational effects.

Jennifer Hargrave:
Let’s talk about gray divorce. What makes this stage of life unique when it comes to ending a marriage?

Dr. Kevin Carlson:
For people over 55, often married for decades, divorce usually stems from emotional disengagement. Women often leave due to emotional neglect or mistreatment. Men may initiate divorce during retirement when they feel restless or bored. While gray divorces are typically less contentious, they come with major emotional and financial adjustments.

Jennifer Hargrave:
What are the emotional considerations for someone newly facing a gray divorce?

Dr. Kevin Carlson:
The person initiating the divorce usually grieves long before filing, while the one being left is often caught off guard and starts grieving much later. They’re out of sync emotionally, which complicates things. It’s important for the person left behind to give themselves time and seek professional help—especially someone experienced in divorce support.

Jennifer Hargrave:
And financially?

Dr. Kevin Carlson:
Women, in particular, are often at risk. Many don’t have a clear understanding of their financial situation. Suddenly, at 65, they must learn budgeting, investments, and estate planning from scratch. That can be overwhelming. We often see a drop in social status—selling homes, moving to less affluent areas, giving up country club memberships. These lifestyle shifts can be significant.

Jennifer Hargrave:
It’s a big emotional transition, but many also find a sense of peace after leaving a toxic or unfulfilling relationship.

Dr. Kevin Carlson:
Absolutely. Especially women who were ignored or mistreated often experience emotional growth and freedom once they’re out of that environment. Rebuilding can be empowering—starting a business, picking up old hobbies, redefining their future.

Jennifer Hargrave:
What about men? How do they tend to handle gray divorce?

Dr. Kevin Carlson:
Men are often less emotionally prepared. They struggle more with being alone and tend to have smaller support systems. Post-divorce, older men face increased health risks like heart disease—there’s a real physical toll. Men don’t process grief as openly and often repress it, which can lead to long-term health consequences.

Jennifer Hargrave:
We also touched on the impact on adult children. Divorce still affects them, even if they’re grown.

Dr. Kevin Carlson:
Absolutely. Adult kids can feel torn or forced to choose sides. Collaborative divorce helps parents preserve their dignity and minimize emotional fallout for the whole family. I encourage adult children to tell their parents, “We’re not going to be in the middle—handle this with maturity.”

Jennifer Hargrave:
That’s such a good point. We want our kids—no matter their age—to continue loving both parents. Collaborative divorce allows that space. Dr. Carlson, thank you for sharing your wisdom on this important topic.

Dr. Kevin Carlson:
Thanks for having me.

Compassionate Dallas Divorce Attorney, Jennifer Hargrave

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Hargrave Family Law was founded by Dallas divorce lawyer Jennifer Hargrave with a strong mission in mind. Using non-adversarial techniques, our firm advocates for you during this challenging life transition in a way that helps you protect what matters most. Reach out to our team of compassionate Dallas divorce lawyers at Hargrave Family Law for the support you need to navigate divorce and other family law matters. We offer a complimentary case evaluation to start your journey with us. Together, we will work towards safeguarding the happiness and well-being of your family, allowing you to write your next chapter with hope.