Gray Divorce—What You Need to Know if You’re Getting Divorced After 50

ST. LOUIS, Missouri. According to the New York Times, late-life divorces are on the rise. People over age 50 are twice as likely to get divorced today than they were in the 90s. The increase in divorces has a quite a bit to do with increased life expectancy. As people live well into their 80s, women and men in their 50s may find themselves less likely to stay in unhappy marriages. Women are more likely to initiate divorce than men. Yet, if you’re planning to divorce later in life, there are definitely some factors you’ll have to consider. For one, you’ll want to speak to a qualified divorce lawyer in St. Louis, Missouri. The BehrensLaw Firm, L.L.C. in St. Louis works closely with divorcing individuals to help them understand their rights and get the best possible outcome for their case.

According to U.S. News & World Report, women in particular need to consider their finances when getting divorced over age 50. Married women tend to earn less than men and may have been out of the workforce caring for children. Women also statistically live longer than men, meaning that they need to make their retirement money last longer. While the temptation may be to finalize your divorce quickly, doing so may not always be in your best interest. You can file for divorce without the assistance of a divorce lawyer, but doing so may mean that you could give up important rights and protections.

Women who didn’t work during the marriage may also be entitled to receive spousal support. The longer your marriage, the more likely the court may favorably rule on support. Couples also need to consider their finances in all their complexity. How you’ll divide property, savings, 401(k) accounts and other assets can have a serious impact on your financial future.

The decision to divorce can be highly emotional. However, it is important to remember that divorce is just as much a legal and financial matter as it is an emotional one. The law offers important legal protections to divorcing individuals. For instance, couples need to disclose their assets and property. If you are concerned that your ex will hide assets or lie, a lawyer can help you protect your rights.

At whatever age, divorce can be an emotional end to an important chapter in your life. If you’re considering filing for divorce, consider speaking to a divorce lawyer in St. Louis, Missouri to learn more about your rights and obligations. Visit our website www.barbarabehrensdivorceattorney.com to learn more about how you can protect your family and your financial future.