Divorce for Long-Term Marriages

Divorce after decades of marriage, often called “gray divorce,” presents unique legal and emotional challenges. Couples who decide to end a long-term marriage soon recognize that it involves untangling a lifetime of shared finances, assets, and history. In Michigan, the legal framework for divorce applies to everyone, but the stakes are often higher and the details more complex in cases of long-term marriages. Protecting your financial future requires a clear understanding of how Michigan law addresses the key issues in divorce.

At Robbins & Licavoli, PLLC, we provide the focused guidance needed to navigate this significant life transition. We are here to help you understand your rights and work to secure a stable future.

Key Considerations in a Michigan Gray Divorce

When a marriage has lasted for 20, 30, or more years, the financial and personal aspects of divorce become deeply intertwined. It is essential to address several key areas with careful planning and experienced legal counsel.

1. Division of Assets and Debts

Michigan is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, though not always in a strict 50/50 split. In long-term marriages, nearly all assets are considered marital property. This includes the marital home, vehicles, investments, and business interests acquired during the marriage. Valuing and dividing these assets can be difficult, especially when they include businesses, professional practices, or extensive investment portfolios. Our lawyers work to ensure a thorough and fair valuation of all assets to protect your financial interests.

2. Retirement Accounts and Pensions

For many older couples, retirement accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs, and pensions are their most valuable assets. The portion of these accounts earned during the marriage is subject to division. Properly dividing these assets requires a specific court order, such as a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). A QDRO allows funds to be transferred from one spouse’s retirement plan to the other’s without incurring early withdrawal penalties or taxes. Handling these divisions correctly is essential for securing long-term financial stability.

3. Spousal Support (Alimony)

Spousal support is another critical component of many gray divorces. After a long-term marriage, one spouse may have a significantly lower earning capacity, often because they prioritized family or supported the other’s career. Michigan courts do not use a rigid formula to determine alimony. Instead, a judge considers factors such as:

• The length of the marriage
• Each party’s age and health
• The ability of each spouse to work
• The marital standard of living
• Each party’s contributions to the marital estate

After long-term marriages, spousal support may be awarded on a long-term or even permanent basis to ensure the receiving spouse can maintain a reasonable standard of living.

4. The Emotional Aspect

The emotional impact of ending a long-term marriage cannot be overlooked. You are not just ending a legal partnership, but navigating a profound change in your identity and daily life. It is important to consider this decision and its many ramifications carefully before proceeding. When you decide to move forward on this path, our legal team provides compassionate and steady guidance, managing the legal aspects so you can focus on your emotional well-being and prepare for the future.

Secure Your Future with Our Experienced Guidance

A divorce after a long-term marriage involves high stakes and requires a legal strategy tailored to your specific circumstances, as the decisions made during this process will shape your financial security for years to come. Our divorce lawyers at Robbins & Licavoli, PLLC, have the experience to handle common elements of these situations, including complex property division, spousal support negotiations, and the division of retirement assets.

If you are considering or facing a divorce after a long-term marriage, contact our office today to schedule a consultation. We are here to help you protect your rights and lay a secure foundation for your next chapter.