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Grey divorces demand legal attention

On Behalf of | Mar 6, 2019 | Divorce |

In Connecticut, grey divorce continues to attract older married couples. Today, 25 percent of married couples get grey divorces in comparison with the 1990s when only 10 percent of couples over the age of 50 got divorced. It is a traumatic experience to get a divorce after a lengthy marriage; both spouses can experience psychological problems caused by finances and strong emotional ties.

When a couple gets divorced, each spouse must find a new niche in life. Memories make grey divorces even more difficult. A common challenge experienced by couples getting a grey divorce involves finances. Whether the couple has concerns about Social Security benefits or savings accounts, grey divorces often lead to the dividing of pensions and retirement funds.

A judge might split a couple’s assets down the middle, but there are exceptions to the rule. In some states, couples create their own marital agreements that may differ from the 50/50 rule. One spouse may not have any income and so does not earn money for paying the rent or mortgage. If the person is over 50 years old, it is difficult to find a job as many older divorcees have fewer skills. Health insurance is another issue. If the spouses are only in their 50s, they are both too young to qualify for Medicare benefits unless they have disabilities.

A spouse can contest a divorce or approach it in an uncontested state, but each spouse has a right to legal representation by an experienced divorce attorney. A family law lawyer may help individuals sort out their monetary differences and come to an amicable agreement. An older person thinking about getting a divorce might gain helpful insights by consulting a lawyer before making it official.