Everyone is always so kind from Casie and Christina at intake, to the paralegals and attorneys. They promptly answer all questions.
Gray divorce is another term for divorce later in life. Typically, this includes people divorcing at age 50 or older. The gray divorce rate in America has been rising since the 1990s, as the divorce rate for all other age groups has been falling.
The divorce attorneys of Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C., proudly represent North Carolina individuals divorcing later in life. Our entire team has decades of combined experience and is uniquely situated to assist those facing complex divorces. With offices in Durham, Cary, Pittsboro and Wake Forest, we represent those throughout the Triangle area.
As gray divorces happen later in life, most couples will not need to consider child custody or child support – two areas of high contention in other cases. With these divorces, any children involved may not be adults and out of the house.
However, getting divorced close to retirement age will likely introduce unique financial challenges. Key factors to consider with gray divorce may include:
Typically, couples divorcing later in life have accumulated more assets, making property and asset division high stakes. How to divide retirement accounts and pension plans will likely be the biggest challenge. A qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) can detail how to divide retirement plan assets fairly between spouses.
Another consideration for those divorcing will be how to adjust their retirement plans. Divorce may set back retirement plans for a few years or if an individual has already retired, they may require financial guidance on adjusting their lifestyle to fit their new financial reality.
Gray divorce numbers have been climbing for years and today, divorce is much more common for baby boomers compared to other generations. Many factors contribute to this trend but one main reason for this is that the negative stigma previous generations held about divorce has largely been erased over time. On top of that, many married couples prioritized raising children together. As such, becoming empty nesters is a common cause of divorce filings.
Everyone is always so kind from Casie and Christina at intake, to the paralegals and attorneys. They promptly answer all questions.
...Everyone is always so kind from Casie and Christina at intake, to the paralegals and attorneys. They promptly answer all questions.
Great experience, Christina is very resourceful and knows what she is doing. Helping me through various obstacles.
...Great experience, Christina is very resourceful and knows what she is doing. Helping me through various obstacles.
Christina is highly knowledgeable and offers excellent service.
...Christina is highly knowledgeable and offers excellent service.
Have been connected to Ellis Family Law for many years and cannot recommend a more knowledgeable, caring, hard working group of attorneys. I do not hesitate to refer to them...
Have been connected to Ellis Family Law for many years and cannot recommend a more knowledgeable, caring, hard working group of attorneys. I do not hesitate to refer to them no matter how big or small the issue. They are truly a one of a kind law firm and am so thankful I can count on their guidance.
Gray is top tier in family law — knowledgeable, strategic, and relentless when it comes to protecting his clients. If you want someone who knows the system and knows how...
Gray is top tier in family law — knowledgeable, strategic, and relentless when it comes to protecting his clients. If you want someone who knows the system and knows how to navigate it successfully, call Ellis Family Law. Amazing Attorneys!
I can’t say enough good things about Ellis Family Law. Going through a family law matter is never easy, but their team made the entire process feel manageable and supported...
I can’t say enough good things about Ellis Family Law. Going through a family law matter is never easy, but their team made the entire process feel manageable and supported from start to finish. They are professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly responsive. I worked with Christina & she was absolutely impeccable and I knew after the first phone call I was in the right place to handle my business. Thank you Ellis Family Law.
We are equally skilled in litigation and in resolving disputes outside of court.
Mediation, arbitration, and collaborative approaches that resolve disputes with less stress and more cooperation.
Thoughtful advocacy for parenting arrangements that protect your children and preserve what matters most.
We can assist with complex divorces, using our knowledge and experience to uncover customized solutions. If you face a gray divorce or high-asset divorce in North Carolina, contact the attorneys of . Contact us online to reach us at our Durham, Pittsboro or Wake Forest offices, or call at to schedule a consultation.
And for a fun twist: don’t miss our “Pour Decisions” section, featuring wine tips from our lawyer-wine specialist Gray Ellis!
