If you haven’t heard of Empty Nest Syndrome, it’s an epidemic that plagues older parents across the country, defined by Divorce Mag as a certain sadness that impacts parents whose children have grown up and left home. There are a few common causes and issues which lead to an empty nest divorce, and though it’s generally easier to manage than a traditional divorce, many spouses find benefits in employing mediation to reach a settlement. For assistance from a vetted attorney and mediation expert, contact The Law Offices of Jennifer Owens for a free consultation.
Causes of an Empty Nest Divorce
Among the typical drivers of an empty nest divorce is a neglectful marriage. Parents often neglect their own relationship out of concern for their children’s livelihood, forgetting that marriage requires intimacy. Honing in on your children’s future is suggested and expected, though it can impact your marriage when it reaches an excessive degree. Different perspectives on a children-free home are a common cause as well; while one parent could see the empty nest as an opportunity to check items off their bucket list, the other may fall into a state of loneliness and subsequent inactivity, creating friction between partners. Lastly, overt anxiety towards your children’s relationships, career, or social life can keep you from focusing on your own marriage, carrying the empty nest into a state of divorce. Once divorce ensues, there are a number of issues that could arise concerning bank accounts, benefits, and other assets.
Common Issues of an Empty Nest Divorce
There are a handful of issues that are typically seen in empty nest divorces, the first being child custody and support. Since empty nests consist of children that have already left the home, no longer minors, this usually isn’t a core issue for empty nest divorcees. There are exceptions though, such as deciding how much each parent will contribute to a child’s college expenses or health insurance. Next is property division, the most conflicting item of most separations. However it’s not so stressful amongst empty nesters, since any involved children will often have homes of their own, making it easier to sell a marital home.
Disputes are more likely to arise when discussions pertaining to bank accounts, business assets, and retirement benefits begin. Since empty nesters are more likely to have built up a collection of assets, splitting these items can spark more emotion than others. Alimony follows this, and can cause some friction if spousal support dips into your pension or retirement benefits. To settle more sensitive issues such as these, it’s suggested that you consult a specialized meditation expert to ensure disputes are resolved.
Achieve a Calm, Cost-Effective Divorce with a Vetted Family Law Attorney
Divorce is an emotional journey to endure. On top of the bitterness and anger which often result from a formal separation, the subsequent legal battles tend to make the whole process even more painful. At the Law Offices of Jennifer Owens, we revel in the power of choice. When spouses face divorce, they’re presented with a slew of decisions with a handful of potential outcomes. Our attorneys are believers in the best possible outcome, where a former couple chooses peace over destruction, so that they can finally move onto their next chapter. We can help with that. No matter your desired path – mediation, a negotiated settlement, or even litigation – The Law Offices of Jennifer Owens will achieve the best possible outcome by reaching a settlement that keeps all involved parties in mind. Visit our website to review our family law services or contact us online for a free consultation.