Gray divorces are becoming more common, divorce law firms across the country are finding.
Though these divorces among middle-aged and elder couples 50 years and older might seem like any other divorce, they do bring with them certain issues that require the expertise of divorce lawyers familiar with these situations.
Older married couples getting divorced after many years should seek the assistance of divorce attorneys who understand the challenge of gray divorces and can appropriately help clients get through them.
What Are Common Gray Divorce Concerns?
What are the main concerns that arise with gray divorces?
There are two issues of note that divorce lawyers see when their 50-year plus clients decide to divorce, regardless of the reasons why:
- The Family/Emotional Element - Gray divorces frequently bring with them the shock and emotions of adult children and young grandchildren facing the reality that their parents/grandparents are splitting up. Sometimes families roll with these changes easily, but other times, divorce attorneys see that it is the extended family that has the hardest time adjusting and not the couple themselves. Families of gray divorces must make the effort to understand their elder relatives wishes to enter into their late years in happiness without the problems that have led them to get divorced in the first place, then create new traditions to support both parents, even if that means doing it separately.
- The Financial Element - Some couples that have had long marriages have frequently also amassed a large number of assets that can include homes, vehicles, hefty retirement accounts, and much more. Dividing up this property can become especially challenging in gray divorces when retirement is around the corner or spouses are already retired. Divorce law firms must handle these divorces carefully to ensure the fair distribution of marital property while also considering each spouse’s social security benefits and other retirement payouts. It is a priority that each spouse ends up in a financially stable position after the divorce is final. Sometimes, these negotiations can be challenging, especially when couples are divorcing on poor terms.
Seek The Help of Divorce Attorneys With a Gray Divorce
No matter what the reasons are leading to gray divorces, more divorce lawyers are finding more older couples splitting and having to deal with the sometimes challenging aftermath.
In these cases, it is important that 50-something plus spouses seeking divorce hire a divorce law firm that is especially experienced in handling the financial aspect of gray divorce and can also provide the necessary support for dealing with the emotional aspect affecting adult children and extended families.