Divorce After 50: Why Collaborative Divorce Might Be the Best Path
Divorcing later in life—sometimes called “grey divorce”—is more and more common. Whether it’s a fresh start after decades of growing apart or a necessary response to years of unresolved conflict, couples over 50 are increasingly choosing to separate.
But while the emotional stakes may feel lower without young children in the picture, the legal and financial stakes for more mature clients are sometimes much higher. In my experience as a family lawyer in British Columbia, Collaborative Divorce can offer the best path forward.
Here’s why.
1. You’ve Built a Life—Not Just a Household
By the time you hit your 50s or 60s, your lives are deeply intertwined, both financially and emotionally. You may share pensions, investments, real estate (maybe a second property), business interests, not to mention decades of shared social and family relationships.
An adversarial divorce process can tear through that life like a tornado. Collaborative Divorce, by contrast, respects the life you’ve built, and lets you to untangle things with care.
2. Retirement Is on the Horizon—or Already Here
Separating later in life is unique in that you do not have decades of income-earning years ahead of you. That makes decisions about asset division, spousal support, and pensions more important. There’s less time to recover financially from a bad settlement or drawn-out legal battle.
Collaborative Divorce gives you access to neutral financial professionals who can offer clarity and confidence as you plan for your separate futures. It’s not just about dividing what you have—it’s about safeguarding what comes next.
3. Privacy and Dignity Matter More Than Ever
A truism in life is that the older we get, the less appetite we have for drama. The Collaborative Divorce process happens outside of court, behind closed doors, with a team of professionals committed to resolving issues respectfully. There are no mud-slinging affidavits flying around, no public airing of grievances.
Separating with dignity and discretion is just as important as reaching a fair agreement. Collaborative Divorce provides both.
4. You Likely Still Care About Each Other (Even If You Can’t Live Together Anymore)
Even when you know a relationship is over, it’s common to still care about your former partner’s welfare. That’s especially true when you’ve raised children together, built businesses, or supported each other through tough times.
Collaborative Divorce supports this desire for a respectful ending. The goal isn’t to “win”—it’s to transition in a kind way that reflects the life you shared.
5. You’re Thinking About Your Legacy
Older clients often care deeply about how their divorce may affect adult children, grandchildren, or extended family. You care about the legacy you leave behind. No one wants to be remembered for a bitter courtroom battle or a broken family tree.
Collaborative Divorce helps preserve family relationships and lay the groundwork for future weddings, holidays, or co-grandparenting.
Is Collaborative Divorce Right for You? It may be—especially if you:
• Want to stay out of court
• Value privacy, dignity, and respect
• Are open to working with your former partner to reach mutual solutions
• Want a more personalized, thoughtful approach to dividing assets and planning your future
So, if you’re considering separation and want to explore your options, reach out to me for a no-pressure conversation. I practice Collaborative Divorce here in Squamish, and work with clients throughout British Columbia.
