Marriage is not something many people take lightly, dedicating the rest of their lives to their spouse. However, nothing in life is guaranteed, and you may find after decades together, your marriage is no longer working. As such, you may go through a gray divorce. Though the steps are the same, additional complications in a gray divorce can make this process more complex, requiring the assistance of Los Angeles gray divorce attorneys. If you are older and going through a divorce, the following blog explores what you should know about the complications you can face during this process.
What Is a Gray Divorce?
A gray divorce is a term used to describe older couples that go through a divorce. Generally, those older than 50 who separate are in a gray divorce. This has increased drastically in recent years, with many older couples deciding to end their marriage compared to decades past.
While the process of filing for divorce in California is the same regardless of how old you are, you’ll find that certain issues can arise during the dissolution of a marriage with older individuals.
What Complications Can Arise in a Gray Divorce?
One of the most important considerations many couples must make revolves around alimony for the dependant spouse. When you are older, you may have complications that prevent you from working, or you may find that it’s impossible for a spouse who was a stay-at-home parent to enter the workforce given their current level of education and training. As such, it’s important to understand that the courts could order permanent spousal support, depending on your circumstances.
Also, you’ll find that the distribution of assets can be more complex, as you’ve had time to accumulate greater assets than a 25-year-old couple, for example. One asset of concern for many is their retirement account, as it can put the future of the spouses at risk. In California, your retirement account is considered a marital asset, meaning it is subject to division under the state’s community property laws.
When Should I Contact an Attorney?
For anyone going through a divorce, connecting with an attorney is critical. However, as an older individual, there are additional complications you can face during this process, further emphasizing that it’s in your best interest to retain legal guidance as soon as you are served divorce papers or before you file the petition with the courts.
While there are many financial and legal considerations you must make, they can be clouded by the heartache of ending a decades-long marriage. As such, you may find that you aren’t thinking as clearly, leaving you vulnerable to making errors that can impact your finances for the rest of your life. That’s why it’s imperative to leave your case in the hands of an experienced attorney from the Zitser Family Law Group, APC. Our firm has experience handling complex divorce cases, so you can rest assured that we will fight for the best possible outcome for you. Contact us today to learn more.
