Older couples have begun to get divorces a lot more frequently in recent years. In many cases, these divorces, known as “gray divorces,” have several factors that must be taken into consideration in negotiations that a younger couple may not have to account for. These factors can add a substantial amount of complexity to the asset division aspect of a divorce agreement.

Extra Complexity for Asset Division

Couples going through a gray divorce have often been married longer and have more assets to their name, making it difficult to make a valid claim as to sole ownership. This usually means that a gray divorce requires substantially more negotiation and a longer legal battle.

Here are some non-traditional factors that must also be considered in a divorce:

• Retirement funds & accounts: a lifetime of work and retirement savings is stored up in these accounts which were are not usually designed to account for a divorce. Therefore, a mutually beneficial agreement for how to divide these funds must be reached.

• Estate plans & wills: If you have created your estate plan (which is highly advised), a divorce may mean you need to heavily modify or even completely re-draft it to account for such a dramatic change in beneficiaries.

• Social security: A change in your marital status will affect your ability to collect social security benefits, sometimes for the better, sometimes not.

• Alimony: Spousal support is very likely to be awarded in a gray divorce, due to advanced age and potentially poor health limiting the ability of a spouse to get back into the workforce and support themselves. These awards are usually far larger than a younger couple, and may even be permanent.

• Health issues: the ability to pay for medical coverage, which is often needed more frequently at an advanced age, is something that needs to be considered. If one spouse will lose medical coverage, this should definitely be something discussed in negotiation proceedings.

If you are considering a gray divorce, the skilled attorneys at Fair Cadora, APC may be able to assist you. Our team of professionals understand the importance a divorce can have on your life. We provide individualized service to each of our clients that is backed by the knowledge and skill that has earned several accolades, including Board Certification by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization.

Please call the firm today to schedule a consultation to discuss your options.