Divorce Harder on Seniors. 

The divorce rate is around 50% according to some statistics. The sad truth is the high rate does not only effect young couples it also damages couples who have been together 40 years or more with devastating results.

The problem is that these couples are in their retirement years. Their income is usually limited and dividing assets can be tricky, at best. The family house isn't worth as much in today's market.  Houses are staying on the market, and then usually sell for less than they're worth.  Splitting the remaining equity will not pay for much housing for either partner.

Issues of beneficiaries and extended health care become important issues for these couples as well. Long term care plans that had been worked out in advance may no longer work due to divided assets, and limited insurance. Medicare is an option but a very limited one at best.

Currently, other than Medicare, no legislation exists to help seniors in these times. That could be a problem with the current divorce rate.  More and more couples could see their nest egg devalued by divorce.

Source: www.post-gazette.com