Move Forward Confidently With A Skilled Gray Divorce Lawyer
Every divorce has its challenges. Gray divorces, however, raise a range of unique issues it is important to carefully address. Katherine K. Wagner, Attorney at Law, based in Somerville, is here to help. With over 25 years of experience in New Jersey family law cases, Ms. Wagner stands ready to give you the insightful, supportive and assertive legal assistance you deserve.
What Is A Gray Divorce?
“Gray Divorce” is a term that refers to the divorce of older married partners, typically over 50 years of age. As with any divorce, a wide range of factors can lead to such a split. Common causes of late-life divorces include:
- Empty nest syndrome
- Financial disagreements
- Health issues
- Increasingly divergent life paths
- Retirement changes
- Long-standing unresolved conflicts
Ms. Wagner helps individuals throughout Somerset County who are going through such a divorce.
What Financial Concerns Can Arise?
A divorce can have significant financial implications. Splitting one household into two can be a daunting prospect, particularly for individuals who are near or in retirement. Common financial concerns include:
- Will you be able to restart your career after your divorce?
- Will you still be able to have the retirement you desire?
- Will you need to downsize?
- What assets will you be able to draw on to help support yourself?
- Will you be able to properly address your health care needs?
- Will you have enough money?
When it comes to such concerns, it is important to not panic. Careful planning can help with paving a clear way forward.
What Planning Can Be Important?
Effective financial planning can be critical in preparing for the impacts of a gray divorce. This includes:
- Careful budgeting
- Investment planning
- Career planning
- Retirement planning
- Tax planning
Additionally, creating a clear plan of action for your divorce proceedings can be essential.
How Can An Attorney Help?
From the division of retirement assets to debt allocation, a gray divorce is full of legal matters that can have big financial repercussions. When it comes to any of these issues, a skilled attorney, such as Ms. Wagner, can assist you by:
- Explaining your rights
- Helping you define your goals
- Gathering the financial information you need to make informed decisions
- Guiding you through your options and their potential impacts
- Working with you to find the right path forward based on your needs and objectives
Ms. Wagner is ready to build you the carefully crafted strategies you need to address your senior divorce with confidence.
Helping You With The Division Of Retirement Assets
How retirement assets, such as 401(k)s and pensions, are divided in a late-life divorce can have major impacts on your life and future. New Jersey is an equitable division state. This mean that all marital assets, including qualifying retirement assets, are to be split fairly in a divorce. Many factors are considered in this division. Ms. Wagner can advocate for you and your best interests in matters involving the distribution of retirement assets and pensions.
Knowledgeable Spousal Support Guidance
Spousal support can be another critical issue in a senior divorce, particularly for individuals who may not have a lot of options for earning income post-divorce. In New Jersey, alimony is not automatic. A judge considers various factors, including the length of the marriage, the age and health of the parties, their employment or employability, among others, to determine whether alimony is appropriate. Alternatively, spouses can reach an agreement of their own on alimony. Ms. Wagner understands the state’s alimony laws and is ready to pursue your goals in spousal support proceedings.
Addressing Debt Division
Another late-life divorce matter that can have major ramifications for your financial stability is what happens with debt. Like marital property, marital debts are to be divided equitably in New Jersey divorces. Ms. Wagner can assist you with all aspects of pursuing a fair division of debt.
The Caring Support You Deserve
Gray divorces are not just impactful financially. Divorcing after a long-term marriage can change your personal life in a myriad of deeply fundamental ways, which can be disorienting and emotionally challenging. So, you want an advocate who will not only assertively protect your rights but will also provide you with compassionate support at every step. Ms. Wagner is here for you.
Reach Out Today For Trusted Gray Divorce Representation
Get a lawyer committed to helping you pursue everything you need to rebuild your life after a senior divorce. Let Ms. Wagner be your advocate and guide. You can schedule a confidential meeting with her today by calling 908-526-0099 or filling out her contact form.