Grand Rapids Gray Divorce Lawyer

Divorce can be a challenging, emotional process, no matter how old you are or how long you have been married. However, the process can be far more complicated and trying for men and women over 50 who are seeking to end a long-term marriage.

Commonly referred to as “gray divorce“, this trend has been growing in recent years for various reasons, and navigating it successfully requires help from an experienced Grand Rapids divorce attorney.

At Kraayeveld Family Law, we understand the unique challenges of seeking divorce in your 50s and beyond. We have the knowledge and experience to help you pursue your desired outcome and begin building your new life.

Contact us today or call (616) 383-2679 to learn more about how we can help. Our office is conveniently located at 990 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Feel free to visit us for a case evaluation!

What Is a Gray Divorce and Why Are More Couples Over 50 Divorcing?

Gray divorce refers to divorces between couples aged 50 and older who have been married for 20, 30, or even 40 years or more. Couples seeking a gray divorce are sometimes called “silver splitters.” The phenomenon has been attributed to several causes, including shifting social norms, longer life expectancy, and greater emphasis on personal fulfillment among all members of our society.

The Rise of Gray Divorce: Understanding the Trends and Causes

According to the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pew Research Center, gray divorce has roughly doubled since the 1990s. For people age 65 and older, the rate has nearly tripled. But what is the cause of this growing trend?

Here are some factors that could contribute to the rise in gray divorce:

• Longer life expectancy – As science and medicine progress, people are living longer and finding that staying in an unhappy marriage later in life is a heavier burden than they are willing to carry.
• Empty nest syndrome – Many couples remain together to maintain a stable family life for their children. Once their children become adults and leave home, these couples realize they may have grown apart.
• Shifting social norms – Divorce once carried a heavy stigma, but that stigma has waned in recent decades. Older couples in unhappy marriages now feel more comfortable seeking separation.
• Financial independence – More women today have independent careers and retirement savings, reducing dependency on a spouse’s financial resources and making divorce a more viable option.
• Personal fulfillment – Values have shifted more toward seeking personal growth, happiness, and autonomy. When those values clash with a person’s current situation, divorce becomes more likely.

Unique Challenges of Gray Divorce

Later-life divorce is not only a complicated legal process, but a complete restructuring of the parties’ lifestyle. While that is true of all divorces, it can be an even greater challenge for couples who have spent decades together.

Some examples of the unique challenges of gray divorce include:

• Increased emotional toll – Divorce can come with grief, fear, anxiety, and even an identity crisis after decades of shared routines and intertwined lives.
• Significant assets – Divorcing couples in a more advanced age group often have amassed more assets than younger divorcees. They may have also acquired significant debts. Dividing retirement accounts and other assets, as well as dividing debts, can pose considerable challenges.
• Health and insurance concerns – Older adults often utilize health insurance and other forms of insurance more frequently, meaning greater concern about healthcare costs. If one spouse depends on the other’s employer-sponsored plan, there can be a lot of uncertainty and fear about disrupted health insurance coverage.
• Adult children – While there may not be a custody battle, divorce can still cause complications and strain in relationships with adult children, grandchildren, and other family members.
• Social and lifestyle adjustments – Losing shared friendships, adjusting to single life, or facing lingering social stigma can be difficult, especially for older individuals.

Financial and Property Division Concerns in Late-Life Divorce

Asset division is one of the most significant challenges of gray divorce. Decades of shared finances can mean a considerable amount of intertwined wealth and property.

Dividing assets can include:

• Retirement accounts and retirement benefits
• Real estate and vacation properties
• Investments
• Business interests
• Personal property and heirlooms

Sorting through and valuing these assets can be a challenge, but dividing them fairly is often an even greater task. Our gray divorce attorneys partner with financial advisors and take a meticulous approach to valuing and dividing marital property.

How Kraayeveld Family Law Supports Clients Over 50 Navigating Divorce

Whatever your reason for late-life divorce may be, the significant financial, legal, and emotional implications can feel overwhelming.

Our over 50 divorce attorneys can help you face these challenges by:

Offering Personalized Guidance

No two divorces are the same, which means there is no one-size-fits-all approach to navigating them. We always take the time to get to know you and your priorities, goals, and concerns so we can tailor our approach to achieve a favorable settlement and protect your future.

Utilizing Sound Financial Strategy

We will explain the long-term implications of property division, retirement planning, spousal support, and other financial considerations, so you are prepared for starting the next chapter in your life. We then work to protect your finances and achieve a fair and reasonable resolution to provide the financial security you need to move on with life.

Providing Compassionate Advocacy

The emotional component of later-in-life divorce can often be the most complicated and challenging. We offer not only experienced legal representation and guidance, but also a critical emotional support system as you face this difficult time and begin building a brighter future.

Representing You in Court When Necessary

If cooperation breaks down, you may need to seek a resolution in court. When that is the case, our divorce lawyers are fully prepared to litigate aggressively to protect your rights.

Planning for Life After Divorce in Your 50s, 60s, or Older

Gray divorce is not the end of the road, but rather the turning of a page.

Successfully transitioning into this chapter of your life can require:

• Reassessing finances – Establishing a new budget, reassessing retirement account management, and revisiting estate plans are crucial pieces of the puzzle.
• Downsizing or relocating – Deciding whether to keep or sell the marital home can be emotional, and it is also an important financial decision. Considering it well ahead of time can help you transition smoothly.
• Healthcare planning – If you relied on your spouse’s health insurance, securing new coverage should be a top priority. You may want to consider COBRA or other options if you are not eligible for Medicare.
• Social reconnection – Adjusting to single life can be a challenge, but establishing a new routine and seeking new support systems can make a tremendous difference.

Talk to a Grand Rapids Gray Divorce Lawyer Today

If you are over 50, considering divorce, or already engaged in the process, Kraayeveld Family Law can help. Our Grand Rapids gray divorce lawyers offer the strategic legal counsel and compassionate support you need during this major life transition.

Contact us today or call (616) 383-2679 to schedule your case review from our experienced family law attorneys.