Making the decision to end a marriage can be difficult. Whether an individual lives in Alabama or elsewhere, a divorce can be an emotional process. However, that does not seem to be stopping many baby boomers.

In recent years, the number of older Americans choosing to divorce has risen. In fact, the divorce rate among people 50 and older has doubled in just the last 20 years.

In 1970, about 13 percent of adults age 46 to 64 were divorced, separated or never married. In 2010, that was true for about a third of adults between 46 and 64.

Last year, a 55-year-old woman decided to end her marriage of 18 years after she and her husband had grown apart. Although the divorce was extremely emotional for her, she now cherishes her time alone.

So why are more people 50 and older getting divorced? Some believe it is because more people are living longer. Those in an unhappy marriage may find it unbearable to spend many more decades with their spouse.

Others attribute the higher divorce rate to a change in how society views marriage. In the past, people may have felt pressure to stay married. However, that stigma seems to have disappeared.

Whatever age an individual might be, divorce can be a difficult process. Because of that it may be best to work with an experienced attorney. An attorney will likely be able to help couples come to a resolution that is fair for everyone involved while protecting their client’s interests.

Source: The New York Times, “More Americans Rejecting Marriage in 50s and Beyond,” Rachel L. Swarns, Mar. 1, 2012