The transition to mid-life divorce

Abstract

Mid-life divorce, Decision duration, Imputation, J12, J10,

The Relationships of Divorced Grandparents with Their Grandchildren

“…In many cases, although spouses expressed dissatisfaction with their marriage over the years, they postponed the divorce to a later age due to the wish to avoid hurting their children, financial concerns, the fear of remaining alone, or the concern of people’s reactions (Bair, 2007; Rokach et al, 2004; Taylor, 2011). The consequences of divorce at a later age are manifested in financial uncertainty, particularly among women who have a lower income from work than do men (Canham et al, 2014; LaRochelle-Cote et al, 2012).…”

’Til Divorce Do Us Part: Marriage Dissolution in Later Life

“…As individuals grow and change over their life course, their needs, desires, and roles can change; if couples are unable to adjust to these changes, their marriage might end (Putnam, 2011;Wu & Schimmele, 2007). Indeed, having views that differ from one's spouse (Taylor, 2011) and change over time (Montenegro, 2004) have been found to hasten and motivate decisions to divorce. Alternatively, couples who share similar interests, engage in similar activities, and spend time together report marital satisfaction and happiness (Booth, Johnson, White, & Edwards, 1985;Kaufman & Taniguchi, 2006).…”

“…Existing research shows that couples are often unhappily married, yet remain together for their children (Montenegro, 2004;Taylor, 2011). Greater emphasis is placed on "staying together for the kids" when children are still dependent and living in the household, and alternatives to marriage involve having a low income or being unemployed (Kitson, Holmes, & Sussman, 1983;Morgan, 1988).…”

“…As children leave the home, however, unhappy couples are disinclined to remain together (Bair, 2007). Uncertainty of being alone or fear of being unable to establish new relationships; concern for economic hardship and wanting to prepare financially; hoping that infidelities stop; and holding cultural (e.g., religious) ideals that disapprove of divorce or support one lifetime mate have also been previously cited as reasons to delay divorce and endure bad marriages (Montenegro, 2004;Taylor, 2011).…”