Getting divorced is emotionally and practically difficult and stressful no matter how old you are. However, the major concerns that couples face as they dissolve their marriages differ depending on what stage of life they are in, and so does what they want out of their divorces. Below, we discuss the top issues for people who are getting divorced on Long Island, NY in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond.

Top Concerns for People Divorcing in Their 20s

Couples in their 20s are still relatively new at marriage and divorcing at this stage is considered very early. Many of these couples might not have had the chance yet to build significant wealth, create a large family, or establish an extensive and complicated life together when they’re looking at getting a divorce in their 20s.

The biggest concern for most people this age is coming out with their fair share of any property they bought while married. This is usually the house, which is one of the first major purchases couples make together and perhaps a car or cars. Dividing debt accrued during the marriage might also be an issue.

Top Concerns for People Divorcing in Their 30s

Many couples in their 30s have started their families, so getting a divorce during this time often involves issues of child custody, visitation, and child support. These matters can be highly emotional and complex, and there’s a child at the center of it all with the potential to get hurt.

It’s not uncommon for divorcing couples in their 30s to have very contentious divorces in regards to child custody, especially when there are serious issues like drug use or domestic violence accusations involved. One spouse may try to use custody matters to gain control over the other or just to make their life miserable out of a desire for revenge.

Top Concerns for People Divorcing in Their 40s

The older a couple gets before they pursue a divorce, the more their needs change with time. People getting divorced in their 40s have become accustomed to their way of living and may have even given up their career or stayed at home with the kids for many years. A divorce at 40 often puts people who haven’t provided for themselves for a long time in a difficult position having to re-enter the workforce or finding their own apartment to live in.

For a lot of older couples, alimony or spousal support is a chief concern, especially if one spouse earned markedly less than the other for the majority of the marriage. The nonworking spouse may be worried that they won’t have enough money to make ends meet living on their own and may only be able to survive if awarded alimony or spousal support for a period of time.

This (usually) temporary financial support allows people to go back to school, obtain additional job training, or seek other sources of income so they can manage on their own in time.

Top Concerns for People Divorcing when 50+

Divorcing at 50 and beyond is colloquially known as a “gray divorce” and is more common now than in years past. The idea of divorce has become more commonplace and younger generations who grew up more comfortable with the concept of ending a marriage get older.

For seniors who are getting a divorce, one of the top concerns is maintaining access to their spouse’s retirement benefits. Couples who are married for a significant length of time usually add each other as beneficiaries on their IRAs or 401ks, and many spouses still have the right to a portion of that retirement savings just like they have a right to a portion of other property and assets accrued during the marriage.

How To Get Qualified Legal Help with Your Long Island, NY Divorce

No matter what your age is or what stage of life you’re in, if you’re faced with the possibility of divorce on Long Island, you need the help of a qualified, experienced attorney. At Hornberger Verbitsky, P.C., we have the skills and experience to provide you with zealous legal representation from the start of your divorce to the final verdict.

We’ll work with you to secure the best outcome possible depending on your individual needs and the needs of your family. Contact our office today to book a consultation to discuss your case and the legal options that may be available to you by dialing 631-923-1910, Or, fill in the short form on this page and we’ll get right back to you to set up your free consultation and case evaluation.