Michigan Divorce Lawyer for Senior Divorce

Divorce happens at all ages, and regardless of what stage your marriage is in, you need to know that you have strong legal counsel and the attention of a lawyer who cares about the outcome of your case.

Michael A. Robbins, of the Law Offices of Michael A. Robbins, PLLC, has more than 30 years of experience handling divorce and family law matters in Michigan. Throughout his career, he has gained prominence for his legal abilities and has been featured on national television for his work.

Clients come to the Law Offices of Michael A. Robbins, PLLC, because of Mr. Robbins’ reputation and successful track record. Regardless of what stage of the process you are in, attorney Michael A. Robbins has the ability to step in and represent your interests.

What Is ‘Gray Divorce?’

Over the past several decades, demographic researchers have noticed that even as divorce rates overall are falling, the divorce rate among older Americans has risen steadily. Gray divorce is the term used to describe a split between couples over age 50, especially those who are leaving long-term marriages.

Exact numbers are hard to come by for Michigan, but a Pew Research Center study of national data shows that rates of divorce among couples over 50 have doubled since the early 1990s. Approximately a third of all divorces in the United States are now gray divorces.

While everyone has their own reasons for getting a divorce, there are several common theories to explain the trend, including:

• Longer average lifespans: Marriages that might have previously ended in death are now ending in divorce as couples grow apart.
• Financial parity and independence: Men and women participate nearly equally in the workforce, meaning that financial dependence is no longer a significant factor keeping people in unhappy relationships.
• Growing acceptance of divorce: Starting with the Baby Boomer generation, the stigma surrounding divorce has dissipated and there is far less societal pressure keeping couples together if they don’t want to be.

Whatever your reasons for wanting a divorce after age 50, there are practical and financial issues that will need to be addressed.

Understanding The Financial Implications Of Divorce For Seniors

After age 50, few couples still have minor children at home. Therefore, child custody and support are unlikely to be an issue in divorce. However, financial factors play a much larger role, including:

Division of retirement assets: You may have spent decades building up retirement savings, and splitting these assets can significantly impact your financial security in your later years. It costs more to live as two single people than as a married couple, and neither spouse has much time to rebuild their nest egg. It’s essential to understand how different types of retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s, IRAs and pensions, are divided under Michigan law and to ensure that each spouse receives their fair share of assets.

Spousal support (alimony): One spouse may have been out of the workforce for an extended period, relying on the other for financial support. This can have permanent effects on career trajectory and earning potential. As people age, they may also experience health issues that make it difficult to keep working. Spousal support may be a factor even in cases where both spouses are or recently were employed.

Impact on Social Security: When a couple has been married for more than a decade, one spouse may be able to use the other spouse’s work history when seeking Social Security benefits. There are a number of complex Social Security rules to be aware of, however, so it’s a good idea to consult with an attorney who is well-versed in both family law and elder law.

Mr. Robbins has particular experience working with clients ending their first, second or third marriage and those older than 50. He is extremely familiar with the unique issues involved and can help protect your interests throughout all steps of the divorce process.

Here To Serve You

Please contact Mr. Robbins at 248-646-7980 to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your divorce and family law matters. Located in Bloomfield Hills, Mr. Robbins accepts cases in the Tri-County area of Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties and throughout the state.