Special Considerations in a “Gray” or Later in Life Divorce
Not everyone gets divorced in their 30s or 40s. In some cases, people don’t realize how incompatible they are until after all of the kids are grown up and out on their own. Often referred to as a gray divorce, some couples separate later in life.
At Buckhead Family Law, we understand that although certain aspects of gray divorces are the same as those in younger people, like spousal support and the separation of assets, there are plenty of additional considerations that need to be discussed before the divorce is finalized. What are they? Other than a lack of needing to decide child custody and support, what else makes a later in life divorce different than the others? Here’s what you need to know.
There Are Additional Financial Considerations
When it comes to a gray divorce, spousal support is the number one factor to consider. In many cases, one spouse, usually the woman, has been out of work for decades in order to raise the children and take care of the family home. Getting back into the workforce at an older age and with a huge gap in your resume can be extremely difficult. This is why it’s incredibly important to get a fair amount of spousal support in your divorce in Georgia.
Another thing to consider is retirement. Are there shared or individual retirement funds? What about social security, retirement properties, and health insurance? Property owned? Your overall estate planning will need to be altered as well because any wills or trusts were most likely initially made when you were married. Splitting everything up in order to get a fair portion is something that needs to be considered.
Social Factors Are Key
Divorce can be tough on couples who have been married for decades because you have to inform your friends and neighbors, most of whom you’ve known for as long as you’ve been married, as well as your kids. Be prepared to stumble across some obstacles here, as you may lose friends who take sides and potentially upset your adult children. It’s normal for there to be some emotional upheavals while explaining the situation to those whom you’re close to.
A few social factors that usually aren’t considered, but should be, are the changes that go along with no longer being a couple or married to someone who you’ve been with for decades. All of a sudden, you find yourself living alone in a big house which can feel weird and isolating, and it’s normal to feel lonely at points. Plus, suddenly not having someone else, your spouse, around all of the time can be tough to get used to. Thankfully, therapy can help you adjust to these changes and more.
Need a Divorce Lawyer in for Your Divorce in Georgia?
Are you worried about getting a fair share after decades of marriage? Do you want your former spouse to ensure that you’re taken care of financially after being a stay-at-home mom and out of the workforce for a very long time? Do you need to work out details like retirement funds, social security payments, and healthcare? You’ll need a good Georgia divorce lawyer in order to get all of these details and more ironed out.
At Buckhead Family Law, our legal team works diligently to meet the needs of clients getting divorced in today’s tech driven world – this means taking everything online into consideration. One thing that hasn’t changed about divorce? It is still one of the most harrowing experiences someone can go through, and we understand that. That is why we always treat our clients with grace and compassion.
Need help? We are here to assist you as you begin the next chapter of your life while ensuring that all of the loose ends are tied up in the least complicated way. Schedule a consultation today by calling us at 404-390-0000.
