Gray divorces, or those involving senior citizens, are on the rise. In fact, divorce attorneys saw twice as many clients over the age of 50 in 2010 as they did in 1990. If you’re in your golden years and you’ve decided to end your marriage, here are few tips for navigating the proceedings so you can secure the most favorable outcome possible.

How to Handle a Gray Divorce

1. Be Reasonable About Logistics 

It may be tempting to fight for the family home or the impressive collection of paintings, but will having either make you happy? Before going after a particular asset, consider the logistics of assuming ownership. The family home may be far too big for you to maintain on your own, for example. And if you’re planning on downsizing, securing assets that take up a lot of space, like valuable decor, may be more of a hassle than they’re worth, as you’ll inevitably need a storage unit. 

2. Take Care of Yourself 

Divorce is one of the most stressful transitions you can go through. And the longer you’ve been married, the harder cutting ties will probably be. Because chronic stress can have a seriously negative impact on your overall wellbeing, it’s important to prioritize self-care over the course of the proceedings.

Make it a point to maintain a balanced diet and get in some gentle exercise every day. You should also practice good sleep hygiene, seek emotional support from friends and loved ones, and take time out to revisit any hobbies or passions that you abandoned during the marriage. 

3. Seek Legal Counsel 

If you’re already retired and living on a fixed income, it’s essential that you fight for what’s rightfully yours. Otherwise, your financial security could be in jeopardy once everything is finalized. Thankfully, a resourceful divorce attorney can serve as your ally and advocate every step of the way. Your legal team will handle all correspondence with the opposing party, prepare and file essential documents before critical deadlines have passed, and negotiate for a fair settlement. If necessary, your lawyer will also prepare the case for trial. 

The divorce attorneys at Arndt Buswell & Thorn S.C. understand the unique challenges that seniors face when ending a marriage. Located in Monroe County, WI, this firm can assist with alimony and asset division. A full-service practice, they also help clients with estate planning, personal injury claims, business law, bankruptcy filings, and criminal defense. To learn more about their knowledgeable team, visit their website. To schedule a consultation with a strategic divorce attorney, call (608) 269-1200.