Gray Divorce
The phenomenon of gray divorce has been on the rise in Colombia and around the world in recent years.
This term refers to divorce that occurs in older couples after many years of marriage.
Increase in Colombia and the World
According to a study conducted by the research firm Pew Research Center, in the United States, the number of divorces in people over 50 has doubled since the 1990s.
In Colombia, although there are no specific statistics on this issue, it is estimated that this phenomenon has also increased in recent years.
Reasons and Consequences
Lack of communication and relationship attrition
One of the main causes of gray divorce is lack of communication and wear and tear in the relationship.
After many years together, it is common for couples to stop communicating and sharing activities together, which can lead to separation.
Infidelity
Another reason that can lead to a gray divorce is infidelity.
As people age, they may feel they have lost the spark in their relationship and seek new emotions elsewhere.
Financial and health problems
There may also be financial or health problems that contribute to stress in the relationship.
Is gray divorce less painful?
Although many people may think that gray divorce is less painful than divorce in young couples, the truth is that it can be just as difficult.
Emotional difficulty due to the number of memories and connections.
After many years of marriage, couples often have a wealth of memories and emotional connections that can make separation very painful.
As for the consequences of gray divorce, there can be a wide variety of them:
Beneficial to both parties in some cases
In some cases, it can be beneficial to both parties, as it allows them to seek a new life and experience new things.
Possibility of Conflict and Financial Problems
In other cases, however, there may be a great deal of conflict and financial problems.
In short, the phenomenon of gray divorce is a reality that is occurring with increasing frequency throughout the world, including Colombia.
Although there are many reasons that can lead to this situation, it is important to remember that older couples also deserve respect and support in this separation process.
How the Gray Divorce is performed in Colombia
There are several ways to obtain a Gray Divorce in Colombia.
One of the most common forms is divorce by mutual consent, in which both parties agree on the terms of the separation and file an agreement before a judge or a notary for approval.
Another form is contentious divorce, in which both parties disagree on the terms of the separation and the judge must make a final decision.
Gray Divorce Requirements
The requirements for gray divorce in Colombia are similar to those for divorce in young couples.
According to the Colombian Civil Code, the parties must be separated in fact for a minimum period of two years, although this period may vary depending on the circumstances.
In addition, documents such as the citizenship card, the civil registry of marriage and an inventory of assets must be presented.
Cost and Duration of a Gray Divorce
As for the cost and duration of the process, this may vary depending on the lawyer or law firm hired.
In addition, the liquidation of the marital partnership can be a complicated process, especially for couples who have been married for many years and have accumulated some assets.
Liquidation of the Conjugal or Patrimonial Society
The process of liquidation of the marital or patrimonial partnership (in common-law unions), involves the identification and valuation of the assets and debts of the couple, and the distribution of these assets and debts between the parties.
This process could be complicated, especially if there are assets or debts that are not in the names of both parties.
It is important to mention that the liquidation of the marital partnership does not necessarily apply in all gray divorce cases.
If the couple has not acquired any assets or debts during the marriage, or if they have agreed on the terms of separation, this process may not be necessary.
Implications
It is important to mention that the decision to divorce is an important decision and carries with it a number of legal and financial implications that must be carefully considered.
That is why it is strongly recommended that couples considering a gray divorce in Colombia seek the advice of a family lawyer.
Legal Orientation
A Family Lawyer is a specialist in family law and can provide legal advice and guidance on the different aspects of the gray divorce process.
An attorney can help couples understand their legal rights and responsibilities, and can guide them in making important decisions about property division, child support and child custody.
In addition, a family lawyer can help couples avoid common mistakes that can delay the divorce process or negatively affect its outcome.
Family lawyers can also provide emotional and psychological support to couples going through the divorce process, which can be especially important for older couples.
In summary, the decision to divorce is an important one that should be carefully considered.
To ensure that the divorce process is carried out properly and fairly, it is important that couples considering a gray divorce in Colombia seek the advice of a family lawyer who can guide them through the entire process.
Figures
It is important to mention the relevant statistics and figures that demonstrate the growing trend of this practice in the last decade.
According to the 2015 National Demographic and Health Survey (ENDS) report, in Colombia, the number of people over the age of 50 who have divorced has increased by 72% since 2005.
Specifically, 2.6% of men and 2.1% of women over the age of 50 have divorced in Colombia in recent years.
Similarly, in the United States, a 2019 study by the Institute for Family Policy (IPF) found that the number of divorces among people over 50 has doubled in recent decades, and is expected to continue to rise in the future.
On the other hand, a report by Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) revealed that the number of divorces among people over the age of 60 has increased by 56% since 2010.
Specifically, 2.6% of men and 2.1% of women over 60 years of age have divorced in Mexico in recent years.
These figures show that the gray divorce phenomenon is a growing trend worldwide, including in Latin American countries such as Colombia and Mexico.
Cybergraphy
National Bar Association of Colombia. (n.d.). Family Lawyer. Retrieved from: https://www.colegiodeabogados.org.co/abogado-de-familia/
Salazar, G. (2020). Family Lawyer: How can he help you? Retrieved from: https://www.bbva.es/finanzas-vistazo/ef/efectivo/abogado-familia.html
Ministry of Justice and Law of Colombia. (n.d.). Divorce. Retrieved from: https: //www.minjusticia.gov.co/Portals/0/Normatividad/Divorcio.pdf
Superintendency of Notaries and Registry of Colombia. (n.d.). What is the liquidation of the marital partnership? Retrieved from: https://www.supernotariado.gov.co/portel/libreria/php/decide.php?patron=01.045.012.0053
Pew Research Center. (2019). Led by Baby Boomers, divorce rates climb for America’s 50+ population. Retrieved from:
Jódar, R. (2018). Gray divorce: what it is and why it is on the rise. Retrieved from: https://www.lavanguardia.com/vida/20181219/453410989456/el-divorcio-gris-que-es-y-por-que-esta-en-aumento.html
Mejía, M. (2019). Gray divorce: a way out of loneliness or a mistake that can be costly? Retrieved from: https://www.elespectador.com/entretenimiento/medios/divorcio-gris-una-salida-a-la-soledad-o-un-error-que-puede-costar-caro-articulo-857450/
National Demographic and Health Survey. (2015). Colombia. Retrieved from: https://www.dhsprogram.com/pubs/pdf/FR334/FR334.pdf
Family Policy Institute. (2019). Divorce in Spain. Retrieved from:
https://ipfe.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Informe-Divorcio-en-Espa%C3%B1a-2019-1.pdf
National Institute of Statistics and Geography. (2021). Vital statistics. Retrieved from: https://www.inegi.org.mx/programas/mortalidad/2021/
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