Married couples experience a host of life challenges throughout their union. There are stages in a marriage that are exciting and those that are difficult – either can lead to cracks in a relationship. One of the most stressful times of life is when an adult becomes a caregiver for an aging parent. Known as the sandwich generation, the side effects of living in these circumstances are a common contributor to what is known as the sandwich generation divorce.
What Is the Sandwich Generation?
Individuals who care for both children and aging parents simultaneously are considered part of the sandwich generation. There is an ongoing spectrum of responsibilities that comes with dual caregiving and it can lead to incredible strain on a marriage.
If both members of a couple have aging parents who need regular support, the difficulties can be even heavier and the relationship tested even further. Some couples cannot reconcile their responsibilities or give their marriage its due, making a sandwich generation divorce more likely.
Causes of a Sandwich Generation Divorce
There are times in a marriage when couples grow apart but find their way back to each other. This may happen when you have infants, hormonal teenagers, job changes, or health problems. In nearly every case, the challenges are temporary – the demands and needs may last for years, but eventually ebb and deliver an opportunity for the relationship to get back on track.
However, the sandwich generation is at a point where they may be less interested in giving every part of their life the same amount of energy when everyone’s needs feel extreme. Dual caregiving can lead to these triggers which may force a divorce:
- Financial trouble: Aging parents with high medical bills or specialized care may not have the resources to cover every bill, which leaves sandwich generation adults obligated to contribute, taxing your household budget or tapping into hard-earned savings.
- Housing transitions: If an aging parent must come live with you, the entire dynamic of the household will change, along with responsibilities and relationships, truly testing the bonds of a marriage.
- Time constraints: Whether it’s daily or weekly visits to an aging parent, whether it’s multiple phone calls a day or taking a parent to the doctor, time away from your relationship is detrimental.
- Burnout: Being pulled in many directions leads to emotional exhaustion and lack of self-care, so when there is time to relax or reinvigorate, many adults prefer time alone than time with anyone else, even their spouse, pushing them further apart from each other.
- Disagreements: For the main caregiver of an aging parent, the responsibilities and guilt are a constant fight. If there is no support from a spouse for the choices that are made to help, this contributes to marital discord. Add disagreements with siblings and a sandwich generation divorce may be the result of all that stress.
Is It Time for a Michigan Divorce?
If you feel that your station in life has strained your marriage and it’s time to consider moving on, talk to an experienced Michigan divorce lawyer. Contact Femminineo Attorneys to schedule a consultation at our family law office.