A “gray divorce” refers to the dissolution of marriage between spouses who are both over 50. In Rock Hill, SC, as elsewhere, gray divorce involves special considerations that do not apply to (or are less likely to apply to) younger couples.
Here at Minor Law Divorce Lawyers, we understand your concerns because we have walked clients down this road many times before. Embarking on the journey of a gray divorce brings a unique set of challenges.
Our team is dedicated to providing you with not just legal expertise, but also the emotional support you need to handle this disruptive life transition. With nearly a decade of experience in guiding couples through the intricacies of gray divorce, our Rock Hill gray divorce lawyer is adept at dealing with the intricate dynamics that come with ending a long-term marriage.
Contact us today at (803) 504-0971 to set up an initial consultation for further information.
How Minor Law Divorce Lawyers Can Help You With Your Rock Hill Gray Divorce Case
Our goal is clear–to empower you with the knowledge and representation necessary to navigate your gray divorce with confidence. We understand that each case is unique, and we tailor our strategies to your specific needs and goals. We are here to help you make informed decisions that will lead to a favorable outcome for you.
Below are some of the ways we can make sure that your gray divorce goes as smoothly as possible in Rock Hill, South Carolina:
- Navigating the division of the complex asset and debt structures that typically accompany gray divorce.
- Providing expertise in issues involving retirement benefits and pensions.
- Addressing any alimony issues that may arise.
- Assisting with the estate planning that often accompanies gray divorce.
- Negotiating the fair distribution of real estate, especially the marital home.
- Managing health insurance issues.
- Dividing and distributing investments and savings accounts.
- Advising on the tax implications of divorce settlements.
- Providing mediation and dispute resolution services to maintain amicable relations during the divorce process.
We can offer you many more services, depending on your individual needs and priorities. Reach out to our experienced Rock Hill divorce lawyer today to learn more.
Why Are Gray Divorces on the Rise?
Gray divorce is on the rise not only in South Carolina, but throughout the United States. Indeed, it seems to be a long-term trend, and there are several reasons why:
- Married couples are living longer than they used to.
- The social stigma surrounding divorce is considerably less intense than it was a few decades ago.
- Couples often delay a long-planned divorce until after 50 to minimize its impact on their children (who are likely to be adults by the time their parents turn 50).
- Divorce rates are always higher for remarriages than they are for first marriages. A high percentage of 50+ marriages are second and third marriages–after all, twenty-somethings have hardly had time for a second or third marriage.
For whatever reason, the rise in gray marriage looks to continue into the indefinite future.
What Are the Unique Aspects of a Gray Divorce in Rock Hill, SC?
Before you decide to divorce, consider the following issues that come into particular focus for divorcing couples over 50.
Financial Impact
Financial impact is the most obvious consideration when you’re considering a divorce. Of course, divorce at any age involves financial considerations. After 50, however, you’ve had a lot of time to accumulate assets. Your marital estate (the property owned by both parties under South Carolina’s marital property law) is probably quite complicated.
Divorce can ruin your finances if you do it wrong, especially with respect to shared assets such as the family home. Divorce will force one party to relocate, and it’s more expensive to maintain two households than to maintain only one.
Indeed, any financial benefits that you gain by pooling your assets with your spouse, you might lose if you divorce. That goes right down to the filing of your IRS tax return. You might even have to pay alimony to your ex.
If you must divorce, take the following steps to minimize the impact on your finances:
- Talk to a financial advisor who can help you think long-term when it comes to the financial consequences of a divorce. You might need to delay your divorce long enough for you to take certain steps, such as revising your estate plan. A financial advisor can also help you develop a realistic investment strategy for the future.
- Take steps to avoid conflict. One of the best ways to do this is to bring in a mediator. Mediation is often considered the best option for gray or late-life divorce for several reasons. Mediation is cost-effective, confidential, and relatively stress-free. It can effectively minimize the negative impact of a gray divorce while helping maintain control, preserve relationships, and reach an agreement both sides can live with.
- Prioritize your assets: Which of your assets are the most valuable, and which offer the most long-term financial benefit? Real estate and retirement accounts are at the top of most peoples’ lists.
Many other similar issues could come into play as well, depending on the situation.
Legal Issues
Legal issues are likely to be at least as complicated as your finances are. Additionally, legal issues are likely to be so intertwined with financial issues that it can be difficult to separate the two. It is likely in your best interest to hire a lawyer and let them sort it out with your financial advisor.
Emotional Issues
The emotional consequences of divorce might surprise you-–and it might be an unpleasant surprise. You might discover that, over the course of decades of marriage, you became more dependent than you realized on the emotional support that your spouse once provided. You might find yourself blindsided by loneliness, depression, or boredom that reflects the loss of companionship that you will be dealing with.
Once you divorce, it will be too late to change your mind. Anticipate the shock that your new single lifestyle will represent, and plan on taking steps to adjust. You might consider joining a local community, organization, or group that can provide support. Alternatively, you might seek support from friends or family. As a last resort, you might even seek the assistance of a therapist.
Health
Naturally, your health becomes more and more of a concern as you get older. You might have counted on your spouse to take care of you in your declining years–or your spouse might have depended on you to take care of them. You might fear for your health, especially if you are living alone. You might also worry about your ex-spouse’s health even if you don’t regret the divorce.
Living Arrangements
Living arrangements will change after divorce; after all, if you’re still going to live together, why bother with a divorce at all? As mentioned above, maintaining two households is a lot more expensive than maintaining one. It’s likely that one of you will “buy out” the other spouse and live in the family home, while the other ex-spouse will move out.
If you’re the one who has to move out, you might find it disorienting. This is especially likely if you have to move from a spacious family home to a small, claustrophobic apartment that you can afford.
Adult Children and Grandchildren
Gray divorces typically do not involve child custody or child support issues. A gray divorce might affect your relationships with your adult children and grandchildren nevertheless, especially if the divorce is contentious.
Are your children (or one or more of them) closer to one ex-spouse than the other? If so, a rift could develop after divorce. Try to keep your divorce as friendly as possible, and never be seen speaking ill of your ex-spouse in front of others.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Rock Hill Gray Divorce Lawyer
Gray divorce involves pitfalls and dangers that you might not even see until it is too late. At Minor Law Divorce Lawyers, we can help you avoid them. Whether you are considering divorce or you have already entered divorce proceedings, we can help you. Of course, the earlier in the process you reach out to us, the more we can do to help you.
Call us or use our online email contact form for a prompt response. Our trusted Rock Hill gray divorce attorney is here to help you throughout the entire process.
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Courthouse And Family Counselors In Rock Hill
- Beacon of Hope Counseling, LLC – 1035 Oakland Ave, Rock Hill, SC 29732
- Blue Lotus Counseling – 291 Willowbrook Ave ste 102, Rock Hill, SC 29730
- Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Rock Hill – 1030 Riverwalk Parkway Suite 203, Rock Hill, SC 29730
- Palmetto Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC – 1721 Ebenezer Rd Suite #225, Rock Hill, SC 29732
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.
Visit Our Divorce & Family Law Office In Rock Hill, SC
Minor Law Divorce Lawyers
1273 Ebenezer Rd Suite B, Rock Hill, SC 29732
(803) 504-0971
