The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that about half of all marriages end in divorce. In considering the primary reasons for this, most people perhaps think of falling out of love within the first few years of a marriage; of differences concerning starting a family; of problems arising from job or social issues; of money difficulties.

That is not typically the case, however, for a group often forgotten in the calculation, namely, divorcing baby boomers. These people - ranging from their mid 50s to mid 60s - have for the most part hung on well beyond those first few years. Their children are already grown, with most of them out of the house and on their own. They are likely to be established in their careers or already retired from their jobs. Money is usually less of a concern than it is for younger divorcing couples.

Abuse and infidelity are often cited as divorce catalysts among baby boomers, although a host of other age-specific factors loom large, as well. These include boredom, lack of common interests and poor communication that becomes more apparent once the kids are gone.

"Gray divorce" is increasing, especially divorce that is initiated by women over 40. The concerns following boomer divorce center less on "raising a family" issues such as child custody and visitation; instead, they are more focused on finding life meaning, learning to find new support systems, seeking out new friends and interests, and overcoming challenges and barriers that are newly present in an increasingly faster-paced world.

Despite the challenge, many family law experts cite the potential upside that exists for boomer divorcees as they contemplate a new stage of life filled with possibilities.

Related Resource: www.basilandspice.com "Baby Boomer Divorce: Why it's Happening"