How to Have a Smooth Divorce after 50

 

The process of divorce, especially when it comes to a long marriage, can definitely leave you shaken up. Getting separated from your spouse after 50 can leave a financial and emotional toll on you, but it can also teach you many good life lessons. If you’re hoping for a smooth divorce after a long marriage, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Create an inventory of assets

Many times, one partner handles the couple’s finances while the other one has no clue about what’s happening. The person handling finances usually has a good idea of how much money they hold, how valuable are your assets and how much cash is in your savings accounts. If you’re the partner that needs to get up to speed with your finances, make sure to take inventory of all your assets before you start splitting them. Check your bank account as well, together with tracking your retirement accounts and life insurance policies.

Study the legal process of divorce

One of the most important decisions you need to make is on the subject of the type of your divorce. This is a legal process that requires lawyerly input and it can be done in various ways. It also depends on if you are having an amicable divorce or a bitter one. For the latter, you can choose a traditional divorce that involves the couple hiring lawyers and heading to court without prior mediation. If you think you can work out a solution then you can find a solicitor who assists with marital mediation such as Jennifer Croker. If you enlist attorneys and engage in four-way sessions to resolve issues in an attempt to agree to an out-of-court settlement, you can choose a collaborative divorce. In places like Australia, you can’t engage in fast divorce, so consider that as well.

Hire professionals

As you can see from the previous bullet point, divorce is not easy. Actually, you and your lawyer might work together for months to go over all the sensitive issues of divorce. Also, every country has different divorce laws. In Australia, the law is that you need to make parenting and property arrangements outside of divorce, so you’ll need to hire a lawyer. Luckily, you can easily find a family lawyer in Brisbane ready to help with every step of the process. Experienced professionals will help with splitting assets, negotiating child custody arrangements, obtaining spousal support and child support, applying or responding to a protection order application and other. Make sure to choose a lawyer who fits your budget and is trained according to your needs. Whether you find the best family law firms melbourne, Brisbane, or wherever in the world you are, or you decide to go it solo and represent yourself, always be prepared for what could potentially happen. Some people do go to court and represent themselves, however, if you are not that aware of family law, then you will need legal support.

Consider whether you want to keep the house

Oftentimes, both parties want to keep the family home, but make sure to think long and hard about whether you really want to keep it. Sure, it might be your refuge and moving might disrupt your life, but a house can be a serious money pit, especially with only just one person close to retirement paying for upkeep, taxes and repairs. Before you decide to stay in your family home or go to court for it, consider whether you can afford the mortgage and other costs associated with the property.

Go to therapy

Divorces after 50 usually involve breaking a marriage that lasted for decades, so it can introduce many changes in your life. Before you start freaking out, examine your feelings (are you angry, scared, sad, happy?) and act accordingly. Understanding your emotions is always easier with the help of a trained therapist. A professional will help you make the right decisions and proceed with the divorce and the rest of your life.

Getting a late-life divorce can help people learn a lot of unexpected lessons about life and ourselves. You will discover a whole new world of identities and strengths you have and learn how to appreciate the time spent alone. Also, these tips above will help you get your share of the money and properties so you can enjoy your newly-found freedom without any worries.