Gray divorce refers to couples aged 50 and older ending their marriage. Researchers found that the divorce rate for this group has been the fastest growing in the U.S., doubling between 1990 and 2010, and they predicted it would increase by a third by 2030. Countries worldwide are experiencing a similar rise.
Divorce doesn’t have to be war; however, it often becomes one. Some even call it “tribal warfare,” when family members align with each parent and judge, blame, and shame the other parent. Minor and adult children may become caught in this painful dynamic and lose contact with grandparents, cousins, uncles, and aunts. Sometimes the children of the marriage refuse to see one or both parents. Estrangement can permeate the family system. Such estrangement is costly for children and their parents emotionally, mentally, and physically.