Divorce is never easy—but for women separating in their 50s, 60s or 70s, it can feel especially overwhelming. You may have spent decades building a life, raising a family and looking forward to retirement—only to suddenly face an uncertain future alone.
This growing trend of later-in-life separation is known as “gray divorce,” and it’s more common than ever. According to the Pew Research Center, the divorce rate for adults over 50 has doubled since the 1990s.
If you’re one of the many women navigating this unexpected chapter, know this: you are not alone. And with the right support, guidance, and planning, you can move forward with clarity—and create a future that is strong, secure, and fully yours.
What Is Gray Divorce—And Why Is It Happening?
Many women expect to ease into retirement, travel or enjoy grandchildren—not to face a major life shift like divorce.
Amy Begnaud, a Financial Advisor, Certified Financial Planner® professional and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®), often works with women in their 50s to 70s who are suddenly navigating financial decisions they may not have handled in years—or ever.
“A lot of my clients didn’t expect their lives to change so drastically,” Amy shares. “One woman sat in my office crying, saying, ‘I don’t want a next chapter. I want the chapter I had.’ It’s heartbreaking.”
Gray divorce can stem from many reasons—growing apart, infidelity, long-term dissatisfaction or evolving priorities after the kids leave home. Whatever the cause, the emotional and financial impact can be immense.
Why Financial Planning Is Crucial—Especially for Women
One of the biggest challenges women face in gray divorce is stepping into financial decision-making—especially if their spouse managed the finances.
“Even highly educated, professional women may not have handled the family’s money,” Amy says. “They are absolutely capable, and they often need help sorting through it—especially during such an emotional time.” This is where a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® becomes an invaluable partner.
While an attorney handles all legal aspects of divorce, Amy focuses on the finances—retirement accounts, pensions, investments, home equity, and insurance. For women divorcing later in life, these assets are especially important. Mistakes now can have long-term consequences. Having a clear financial roadmap allows women to step away from fear and move toward empowered, informed decision-making.
Amy helps women answer key questions like:
- Can I afford to stay in the marital home?
- What happens to our retirement savings?
- Will I need to keep working—and for how long?
- Am I entitled to part of my ex’s pension or Social Security benefits?
Emotions Matter—But Shouldn’t Lead Financial Decisions
It’s natural to feel emotionally tied to your home, lifestyle or routines. But decisions driven solely by emotion can lead to financial instability.
“Many women want to keep the house because it feels like the one stable thing left,” Amy says. “But if it’s not financially sustainable, that choice can create more stress in the long run.”
Amy’s role is to ensure her clients look at the full picture—not just what feels good in the moment, but what’s truly manageable over time and in their best financial interest.
What Happens After the Divorce?
Many people assume their financial journey ends when the divorce is finalized. In reality, that’s just the beginning. Consistent support helps women regain control and confidence in their financial life once the formal divorce process ends.
Amy continues to work with her client post-divorce, helping them:
- Divide joint accounts and investments
- Manage and rebalance investment portfolios
- Create a personalized financial plan to be revised each year
- Update life insurance and retirement plan beneficiaries
- Navigate this next financial chapter together
You Deserve Someone in Your Corner
No one plans for divorce—especially not later in life. But with the right support, you can find your footing and build a fulfilling, secure future.
“Many women say, ‘This isn’t what I expected. I thought we’d grow old together,’” Amy says. “You don’t have to face this alone. With a solid plan and someone you trust in your corner, you can move forward with strength and confidence.”
Begnaud Wealth Management Group at Janney Montgomery Scott
Mount Laurel
(856) 291-5032
Advisor.Janney.com/BegnaudWealthManagementGroup
