Addressing the Legal, Financial, and Personal Fallout of Divorce After a Long Marriage

 Posted on January 25, 2022 in Divorce

Some couples are only married a few months to a few years before they divorce. Others are married 10, 20, or even 30+ years when they make the decision to split. No divorce is easy, but divorcing after a long marriage can make it feel like your world is getting turned upside down.

If you are thinking about divorce and you have been married for over 20 years, the road ahead may look ominous. However, it is important to remain hopeful and positive. One of the best things you can do to prepare for a “gray divorce” is to know what to expect.

Property and Debt Division for Divorce After a Long-Term Marriage

Typically, the longer a couple has been married, the greater their shared assets and debts. In Illinois, property and debts collected by either spouse during the marriage are included in the marital estate. This means that both spouses are entitled to an equitable share of the property and debt accumulated during the marriage. Property identified as non-marital property through a prenuptial agreement, inheritance, and certain gifts are excluded from the marital property. You and your spouse may need to address retirement funds, savings accounts, investments, real estate, and more during your divorce. A divorce lawyer can help you understand and evaluate your options for dividing property between you and your spouse.

The Lesser-Earning Spouse May Be Entitled to Maintenance

Alimony, spousal support, and spousal maintenance are all words used to describe monetary payments made by one spouse to the other after divorce. In Illinois, individuals who have been married for 20+ years may be entitled to permanent spousal maintenance. However, maintenance terminates if the paying spouse passes away or the recipient spouse gets remarried. You may also petition the court for maintenance during the divorce proceedings through a temporary relief order.

Rebuilding Your Life After a Gray Divorce

Starting again after a marriage lasting over 20 years or more can be an intimidating notion. Fortunately, it is possible to build a joyful post-divorce life – even in your 50s, 60s, or 70s. In addition to an experienced divorce lawyer, consider working with a counselor or therapist to address the emotional and psychological consequences of your split. Things like joining a hobby group, volunteering, and making new friends may also help you move past the pain of a late life divorce.   

Contact a Kane County Divorce Lawyer

At Divorce Over 50 - Goostree Law Group, we know that divorce later in life involves unique concerns and complications. Our Wheaton gray divorce attorneys can provide the legal guidance you need. Call 630-634-5050 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/complicated-love/201809/7-key-facts-about-divorce-after-long-marriages