Divorce complications can be especially challenging for older adults who have been in a long-term marriage. Emotional turmoil, practical difficulties, and financial issues can make the process more complicated. In addition, dividing assets, determining spousal support, and navigating retirement accounts can be complex. Older adults may also face the challenge of sharing housing or returning to work after a long absence. While divorce can be a positive time for a fresh start, it’s important to seek legal advice to help ensure the best possible outcome.

Although this process may be difficult, it can also be a positive time. Divorce has lost much of its social stigma, and increasingly, women over 60 are filing for divorce because they see the opportunity to start fresh. However, there may still be financial difficulties. A growing trend is older single adults sharing housing. When a couple divorces, it may be financially impractical or impossible for either of them to keep the family home.

Understanding the new financial situation and making a budget may be critical. Some people may find that they need to go back to work or enter the workforce for the first time. Others may be able to draw Social Security benefits based on the income of their former spouse.

Couples who have retirement accounts may want to find out how they can divide one without incurring tax or other penalties and how the value of the account will be calculated. Some people may be eligible for spousal support. If a divorce case goes to litigation, a judge will make decisions about property division, child custody and other issues. However, a couple might be able to work with their attorneys and reach a more flexible solution that suits them better.

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