Gray Divorce Attorney In Tennessee

Spouses over 50 face unique challenges in divorce. In addition to the potential for complex asset portfolios established over many years, divorce for older couples can involve estate planning complications, unique spousal support issues and other concerns that younger divorcing couples do not have to face. Patricia Best Vital is a Chattanooga, Tennessee, attorney with more than 20 years of legal experience. She is a licensed Tennessee mediator and a dedicated advocate for clients of the firm, Vital Law Office & Dispute Resolution Services.

“I understand the unique issues that older couples face in divorce. My firm’s approach is to focus on my clients and their needs. I will listen to your concerns and your goals, and we will work together as a team throughout your divorce.”

Unique Concerns in Divorce for Senior Citizens

Divorcing couples over 50 have concerns and issues younger couples usually don’t have to face. First is time. Most older couples are a little less interested in a long, drawn-out courtroom battle. They want to end things quickly and simply.  

Although child support and custody issues are less of a concern in gray divorces, most couples over 50 facing divorce want to finalize a divorce with minimal conflict. This approach can protect their important relationships with children, grandchildren and mutual friends.

In many cases, Ms. Vital helps gray divorce clients with mediation and other alternative dispute resolution methods to resolve their conflicts efficiently and amicably.

Another important concern for older couples is money. More often than not, people amass greater wealth as they get older, and assets become more diversified in various properties and investments. Patricia Best Vital handles complex property division matters involving retirement benefits, investments, multiple properties and other complicated property division matters.

I can help you understand these common questions!

Do You Understand Gray Divorce?

Gray divorce is a reference to couples who divorce later in marriage, especially those approaching or well into retirement age. The longer your marriage and the older you are, the more complex the divorce process. Not every attorney is equipped to manage the complex elements involved in gray divorce. Fortunately for individuals living in and around Chattanooga, attorney Patricia Vital has years of experience helping couples manage complicated divorce proceedings.

What Makes Gray Divorce Complicated?

After decades of marriage, most of your assets will be marital assets. This means that your financial life and property division can become very complex. Retirement funds, investments and real estate holdings require extra attention, especially because you depend on this income for retirement and elder care.

What Will Happen to My Retirement Fund if I Get Divorced?

Retirement funds are subject to a wide range of laws. Generally, if you or your spouse contributed to the retirement fund during your marriage, it can be divided during property division. However, negotiations and other property offerings may help you keep your retirement fund intact or minimize the impact of divorce.

My Spouse and I Are on a Fixed Income. How Will Divorce Affect Me?

Divorce is a very complex matter, and, depending on your finances, your income may be affected. If you are using a trust, personal savings or a retirement fund as the source of your income, you may see a substantial change in your monthly resources. Only an in-depth examination can give you an accurate estimate of the long-term impact.

What Will Happen to Our Home?

Many couples choose to sell their shared home and divide profits from the sale. However, you may decide keeping your home is the best option for you. Either way, we can help you plan a course of action that helps you predict your future and maintain your quality of life.

Can I Afford a Divorce?

The only way to appropriately budget for a divorce is to speak with an attorney and ask for an estimate. Ms. Vital can help review your case and give you an approximate budget.

Contact a Gray Divorce Attorney in Tennessee for Help

Schedule a consultation with an experienced gray divorce lawyer in Chattanooga, TN.