Gray Divorce Attorney in Santa Clara County, California

At The Law Offices of Steven E. Springer, we understand that ending a marriage later in life, often referred to as "gray divorce," presents its own unique set of challenges. It's our goal to ensure you're not facing these challenges alone and that you navigate this significant life chapter with confidence and peace of mind.  

We've been there for numerous clients throughout San Jose, Fremont, Hayworth, Alameda County, Santa Clara County, and Pleasanton. Our firm brings years of experience in handling gray divorces, coupled with a deep understanding of the unique issues associated with them. We're here to provide the guidance and support you need. 

Know You're Not Alone

Divorce in the latter half of life can feel isolating, but it's become increasingly common in recent years. According to a study by the National Center for Family & Marriage Research, divorce rates for individuals aged 50 and older doubled in the decades between 1990-2010. This phenomenon has even been dubbed the "gray divorce revolution."  

We've worked with numerous clients in similar cases, and many found it helpful to know other people had gone through similar experiences. Here are some of the most common reasons for divorcing later in life:  

• Empty nest syndrome: Many couples choose to stay together until their children are grown and out of the house. With an empty nest, they may find they no longer have anything in common and decide to go their separate ways. 

• Financial disagreements: As retirement approaches, many couples realize they have vastly different views on how to spend their savings and plan for the future. This can lead to significant conflict and the decision to split.  

• Personality differences: As individuals grow and change over time, so do their personalities. What once may have been endearing qualities in a partner can become major sources of conflict later in life. 

• Health concerns: As people age, they may face new health challenges that can put a strain on the relationship. This can lead to divorce if one partner is unable or unwilling to handle the added responsibilities and stresses. 

No matter your reasoning, we know you'll make the decision that's best for you. With this growing trend of divorcing later in life, there is a greater need for specialized legal representation that takes into account the specific needs and concerns of those going through a gray divorce.

Special Concerns in Later-in-Life Divorces

Gray divorces often involve factors such as long-term marriages, significant assets, retirement plans, and health insurance concerns. We're here to help you understand all the implications:

• In long-term marriages, it's common for one spouse to have been out of the workforce for a significant period. We'll help you understand the potential financial impacts and work towards a fair resolution. 

• Later-in-life divorces often involve significant assets. We have the knowledge and experience to assist in a fair distribution of property, which can include homes, businesses, investments, and retirement accounts. 

• We understand that your retirement plans may be significantly affected by a gray divorce. Our team will work diligently to protect your interests and ensure your financial security. 

• Health insurance is a major concern, especially for those over 50. We're committed to helping you understand your options and work towards solutions that protect your health and well-being. 

Alimony in Gray Divorces: What You Should Know

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is often a significant factor in gray divorces. It's designed to minimize any unfair economic effects of a divorce by providing ongoing income to the lower-wage-earning or non-wage-earning spouse. In gray divorces, the dynamics around alimony can be quite different from younger divorces. 

Given that gray divorces involve adults over 50, the courts often consider factors like the length of the marriage, the age of the parties involved, and their ability to earn income post-divorce. In many cases, if one spouse hasn't worked for years, they may not be expected to re-enter the workforce, and this can greatly impact alimony decisions. 

Duration of Alimony Payments

Typically, in gray divorces, alimony payments are likely to last for the rest of the receiving spouse's life, unless the payee has sufficient assets and funds to live comfortably. This is considerably different from divorces among younger couples, where alimony is often temporary and intended to allow the lower-earning spouse time to become self-sufficient. 

Our Approach at The Law Offices of Steven E. Springer

Our team combines compassion, experience, and dedication to provide you with top-notch legal representation. We understand that this is a challenging and emotional time for you, so we approach each case with empathy and your best interests at heart. We're here to empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions.