What Defines a Long-Term Marriage?

Sometimes referred to as gray divorce, long-term marriage separations involve couples who have been together for 20, 30, or even 40 years. When divorce comes later in life, after decades of marriage, the challenges can be especially complex.

While younger couples often face issues like child custody or short-term financial transitions, long-term marriages typically involve deeper emotional ties, intertwined financial lives, and bigger questions about retirement and long-term care. A Bucks County family attorney can help.

Why Divorcing Later Can Be More Complicated

There’s no universal legal definition of a long-term marriage, but in Pennsylvania family courts, a marriage lasting 20 years or more is often considered long-term, while marriages under 5 years are typically short-term. Between 5 and 20 years may fall into a gray area, with courts weighing other factors to determine duration-related impacts, especially when it comes to alimony.

Specific concerns when a long-term marriage comes to an end include the following.

• Retirement accounts and pensions. Longer marriages mean more time for retirement savings to grow. Pensions, 401(k)s, IRAs, and other retirement accounts are typically considered marital property, and splitting them requires detailed knowledge of Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) and potential tax implications.
• Spousal support and alimony. In long-term marriages, alimony is more likely to be awarded and may last longer. One spouse may have been out of the workforce for decades, making financial independence a major concern. Courts take the length of the marriage, the age and health of both parties, and earning potential into account when determining support.
• Health insurance and long-term care. Losing access to a spouse’s health insurance is a major issue, particularly for those not yet eligible for Medicare. Plans for long-term care (whether in-home or in a facility) may need to be restructured or renegotiated in light of the divorce.
• Real estate and lifestyle changes. Many couples divorcing later in life own a marital home that may hold emotional value and present financial challenges. Deciding whether to sell the home, refinance it, or allow one spouse to remain while buying out the other can be a difficult process, this is especially true when downsizing or fixed incomes are involved.
• Family dynamics. Even adult children can be affected by a late-life divorce, and new family arrangements can create tension during holidays, celebrations, and inheritance planning. The emotional toll can also be harder to navigate after spending the majority of one’s adult life with a partner.

If you’re facing a divorce after a long-term marriage, work with an experienced Bucks County family attorney who understands the nuances of gray divorce. From dividing complex assets to planning for your financial future, the right guidance can help you transition into the next chapter of life with stability and peace of mind.

Legal Experts Can Help

Were you married decades ago but now believe the union is coming to an end? With the right support, it’s entirely possible to connect with clarity and confidence. Contact the legal team at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. to discuss your future. Call 215-515-2604.