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The term “gray divorce” refers to individuals seeking a divorce who are in their 50s or older. It has become a commonly used term in family law. A divorce legally ends a marriage, regardless of your age.
However, we use the term “gray” to refer to the unique issues faced by older adults seeking a divorce, much like we use the terms LGBT, military, and high-asset divorces to describe the unique issues associated with those cases.
At Twyford Law Office, our divorce lawyers in Seattle, Washington, have over 33 years of combined experience in family law. We are equipped to handle all matters related to a gray divorce. Our legal team helps you obtain a fair divorce settlement that protects your interests and gives you a solid foundation as you transition into a new phase in your life.
At Twyford Law Office, your Seattle gray divorce attorneys handle all types of gray divorces. We have experience handling divorces involving military couples, high-asset cases, LGBT couples, contested divorces, and collaborative divorces. Even if you believe your spouse will be reasonable and negotiate a fair settlement, it is in your best interest to retain an experienced divorce lawyer as soon as possible.
Call our law office today at (206) 590-7085 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our Seattle gray divorce lawyers.
There is much to consider when you divorce your spouse. Washington’s divorce laws can be difficult to navigate. Further, estate planning, alimony, and property division issues can be more complex when parties are older and/or have been married for a significant amount of time.
If you are considering divorcing your spouse, you will benefit from the advice and guidance of an experienced divorce attorney. At Twyford Law Office, our Seattle divorce attorneys have high ratings with Super Lawyers and other distinguished organizations. Attorney Julie Twyford has been recognized as one of the Nation’s Top One Percent Lawyers by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
When you hire our top-rated family lawyers in Seattle, you can trust we will handle all matters related to your divorce with professionalism, compassion, and diligence. Actions you can expect when you hire our Seattle family law firm include:
Contact Twyford Law Office in Seattle, WA, today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our legal services.
In the past, divorce rates among the older population were lower than the average divorce rate for couples in other age groups. Between 1970 and 1990, the number of older adults seeking divorce showed only a slight increase in numbers.
However, the number of baby boomers getting divorced has increased in recent years. In 2010, the number of gray divorces doubled. The U.S. Census reported in 2021 that about 35% of the divorces the year before included at least one spouse who was 55 years old or older.
At one time, divorce was viewed negatively, especially by older generations. Today, legal separations and divorces are more common. Therefore, older couples may not feel the stigma they might have felt earlier in life if they divorce. Other reasons for gray divorce include:
Regardless of why you want to divorce your spouse, the first step is to discuss your situation with an experienced Seattle gray divorce lawyer. The unique issues related to gray divorces could pose significant challenges as you work to obtain a fair divorce settlement.
There is more involved in a divorce case than legally ending your marriage. Divorces for couples over 50 years old are subject to the same laws in Washington.
For example, older couples must meet the same residency requirements for a divorce. At least one spouse must be a Washington resident or a member of the armed services stationed in the state. Older couples must also abide by the 90-day waiting period from filing divorce papers before the court can issue a divorce decree. Additionally, the grounds for a gray divorce are the same (Washington is a no-fault state for all divorce cases).
The other issues spouses face during a divorce are the same, too. However, because of a couple’s age and length of marriage, these issues can include complex factors that must be considered.
Washington is a community property state. Therefore, each spouse has an equal interest in marital assets. While some exceptions exist for gifts, inheritance, and personal injury settlements, most assets acquired during the marriage are considered marital property.
Older couples may have accumulated significant assets during their marriage, including vacation homes, business interests, and personal belongings. Generally, a couple’s home and retirement accounts are their most significant assets.
When couples cannot agree on how to divide assets in a gray divorce, the judge makes the decision. Generally, judges consider several factors when dividing property, including:
Dividing property in a gray divorce can be challenging. Each spouse needs sufficient assets and resources for retirement. Our Seattle property division lawyers work to obtain a division that secures your financial future.
Spousal support or alimony is another challenging issue in a gray divorce. The length of the marriage is a significant factor judges consider when awarding alimony in Washington. However, judges also consider other factors, such as:
Our Seattle spousal support attorneys work to negotiate an alimony agreement that allows both spouses to maintain the standard of living they enjoyed during their marriage. We work to ensure whether you pay or receive alimony in a gray divorce, the terms are fair and equitable.
In addition to property division and alimony, senior couples going through a divorce may also need to deal with other issues unique to their age and situation. Those issues include, but are not limited to:
At Twyford Law Office, our Seattle gray divorce lawyers are aware of these unique issues and are prepared to address the issues with your best interests as the top priority. Our legal team is here to guide you through each aspect of your gray divorce.
Contemplating a divorce is never easy. However, working with experienced Washington divorce lawyers can make the divorce process less stressful. You also have a better chance of obtaining the outcome you desire. Call Twyford Law Office to schedule a free consultation at (206) 590-7085 with a Seattle gray divorce attorney today.
Our Family law firm in Seattle, WA also provides:
Our Seattle Office
814 Second Avenue 515,
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 590-7085
Our Spokane Office
430 W Indiana Ave,
Spokane, WA 99205
(509) 327 0777
Our Bellevue Office
1408 140th Place NE, Suite 400,
Bellevue, WA 98007
(425) 517 3350.
