Posted on January 11, 2024 in Divorce

Since all people are unique, and all couples have their own unique dynamics, there are also many unique reasons for divorce. But there are also some more typical reasons why some marriages end. One quite common reason is infidelity. This can break a couple whether they are newly married or have been together for decades, whether they are young or nearing retirement. If you are in your fifties or older and your spouse cheated on you, an experienced Kendall County, IL, divorce attorney can help you navigate this challenging time and plan your path forward.

Grounds for Divorce in Illinois

The State of Illinois is a “no-fault” state. The only ground for divorce recognized by the Illinois courts is the broad topic known as “irreconcilable differences.” Specific scenarios that could show how one spouse is to blame for ending the marriage are not taken into account when the court wants to determine if there are sufficient grounds for divorce. Instead, the court can accept a claim that the couple has irreconcilable differences that can not reasonably be resolved, and it will then dissolve the marriage. Even though infidelity will not have an impact on the grounds for divorce, it could influence other issues that need to be resolved in a divorce settlement.

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 Posted on December 20, 2023 in Divorce

Anytime a couple gets divorced, there are several issues they need to work out. Some divorces can be more complicated than others, depending on the circumstances. Some couples split amicably and can agree on everything they need to settle. Some couples need the court to intervene so that any settlements can be reached. Some divorces only involve 2 spouses splitting up, and both work full-time and have brought equal assets to the marriage. Some divorces involve children of various ages, possibly from different marriages. If the couple is over a certain age, they may need for the couple to figure out their retirement as well as their children’s college education. If you are considering gray divorce and are confused about how your unusual family dynamics might impact the proceedings, a knowledgeable DuPage County, IL gray divorce attorney can answer your questions and create a plan to protect your rights and interests.

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 Posted on December 12, 2023 in Divorce

While any divorce can be complicated, divorce for people a bit older and later in life can be even more so. This topic of divorce even has its own special name, “gray divorce.” When people get divorced later in life, there are some unique challenges as well as some reasons why it’s actually easier than getting divorced when you are younger. One of the main reasons why it can be more complicated is because an older couple will generally have more financial assets to figure out how to divide amongst themselves. While younger couples may need to figure out complicated things like child custody, a gray divorce settlement will determine how the ex-spouses’ retirements might look. If you are over fifty years old and divorce might be in the cards for you, an experienced DuPage County, IL, gray divorce lawyer will clear up some confusion and set you up for success in your divorce settlement.

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 Posted on November 21, 2023 in Uncategorized

Once people reach their sixties, they know that their working years are almost over. If they have worked and put away money every month to plan for their retirement, it can feel like they are about to be rewarded for their many years of hard work. However, everyone has different retirement plans: some people work for large companies and are offered packages that include a matching program (the company deposits the same amount into a fund as the employee every month) and stock options, while other people might only have a 401K.

In some cases, one spouse is given a generous retirement package by their employee and the other spouse is not, and the couple might decide to depend on that one plan for their shared future. This arrangement works for many couples, but what happens if a couple gets a divorce? If you find yourself wondering whether you are better off staying in an unhappy marriage to ensure a comfortable retirement, a DuPage County divorce attorney can have an honest conversation and help get you the answers you need to make an informed decision.

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 Posted on November 10, 2023 in Divorce

Illnesses that cause memory loss and cognitive decline, such as dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and others, affect many Americans. While it is more common to occur after the age of 70, younger people can be afflicted as well. These diseases take a heavy toll on everyone involved, whether you have the disease yourself or a loved one does. The ways they affect someone cognitively can make it seem like your spouse is not the person you fell in love with and married. 

Gray divorce, or divorce when the spouses are 50 years old or older, can have its own set of complications because the couple is typically separating after a long marriage and may have amassed more assets - or debts - than a younger couple. When one of the spouses has dementia, it can make it even more difficult to navigate. If your spouse has dementia and you are considering divorce, an experienced DuPage County, IL divorce attorney can answer your questions with sensitivity and protect your rights compassionately. 

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 Posted on October 20, 2023 in Divorce

Commonly known as “gray divorce,” when a couple in their fifties or older goes through a divorce, many issues come up that are unique to their specific situation. These couples are generally married for longer than younger couples and are either nearing or already into their retirement years. The financial implications of a gray divorce can be more complicated and very different from those of a divorce for a younger couple. Suppose you are in your fifties or older and considering divorce but do not know where to begin. In that case, an experienced DuPage County, IL divorce lawyer can help clear up some of the confusion and explain how you can help protect your financial future.

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 Posted on October 11, 2023 in Divorce

Otherwise known as “gray divorce,” divorce among couples who are 50 years of age or older has become increasingly common. The divorce rate among Americans in this age range has more than doubled over the last three decades. This is being attributed to several factors, including a longer life expectancy. The thought of getting divorced can be quite stressful if you’ve been married longer than you were ever single in your adult life. If you are 50 years of age or older and are considering divorce but overwhelmed by what it involves, a DuPage County, IL Gray Divorce attorney can answer your questions and help sort through the confusion and anxiety.

How Does Gray Divorce Differ from Other Divorces?

Longer life expectancy is a major reason why more and more older couples are getting divorced. In the past, unhappy couples may have stayed together for the sake of their children, and with a shorter life expectancy, once their children were grown and had moved out, it might have seemed like too drastic a measure for a limited time.

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 Posted on September 13, 2023 in Divorce

Divorce is never easy. Even if both people agree that this step makes the most sense for them, it is not a decision that is reached lightly. This is certainly the case for people over the age of 50 as well. In addition to splitting assets and debts, the couple will need to reconsider their retirement plans.

Fortunately, there are several surprising reasons why gray divorce could be easier than divorce at a younger age. If you are 50 years old or older and you think divorce might be the logical step for you, a Wheaton, IL divorce attorney could help make sense of this confusing time.

Why Is Gray Divorce Considered Complex?

Divorce at any age involves an agreement for asset distribution. The couple needs to split up their assets and debts in an equitable way. However, if you are 50 years old or older when you begin divorce proceedings, more factors might be considered:

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 Posted on September 08, 2023 in Divorce

Divorce always has the potential to be complicated. With divorce for people 50 years or older, this certainly holds true. By the time you have reached your fifties, your life has probably gone through many changes since you first got married. These changes can make it harder to split, financially, physically, and even emotionally. 

If you have been considering a divorce later in life, you might be feeling an added stress that you cannot quite understand. Below is a short list of reasons why this may be. If you are 50 years or older and you are thinking about getting a divorce, a Wheaton divorce attorney can offer you the advice you need to help you make informed decisions.

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 Posted on August 25, 2023 in Divorce

Divorcing later in life brings unique financial challenges. Spousal support, also known as alimony or maintenance, can provide important income for older divorced individuals in Illinois. However, securing fair alimony requires understanding your rights and navigating the complex factors considered under state laws.

Illinois Courts Favor Permanent Alimony

When an older couple divorces in Illinois after a long-term marriage, judges will typically order permanent spousal maintenance that continues until the receiving spouse dies or remarries. The goal is to provide financial support similar to the standard of living enjoyed during the marriage.

Illinois judges do not like limiting alimony with a termination date when dealing with older couples who have been married for over 20-30 years. Permanent spousal support aims to prevent major lifestyle reductions after gray divorce.

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