Switch to ADA Accessible Theme
Close Menu
Bucks County Divorce Attorneys > Blog > Divorce > Does It Matter If We’ve Been Married Less Than 10 Years?

Does It Matter If We’ve Been Married Less Than 10 Years?

AnnoyedSpouse

When it comes to divorce, the length of your marriage can play a significant role in how the process unfolds. If you and your spouse were married for less than 10 years, certain considerations will be different than for those in longer-term marriages. Talk to a Bucks County family attorney about how the duration of your marriage can impact your divorce in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Shorter Marriages vs. Longer Marriages

In general, shorter marriages tend to involve fewer complications during divorce because there is often less marital property to divide and fewer entanglements like joint retirement accounts or long-term investments.

That said, the length of the marriage can influence key aspects of a divorce.

  • Spousal support. Sometimes referred to as alimony, spousal support is less likely to be awarded in short-term marriages unless one spouse made significant sacrifices to support the other.
  • Asset division. Pennsylvania follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning assets are divided fairly but not necessarily equally. In a shorter marriage, there may be fewer marital assets to split, and the focus will typically be on property acquired during the marriage.

For longer marriages, courts often take a broader view, considering factors like one spouse’s contributions to the other’s career and the financial disparity between the two parties.

One notable difference arises when a marriage lasts 10 years or more is the eligibility for Social Security benefits. If you were married for at least 10 years, you may qualify for Social Security spousal benefits based on your ex-spouse’s earnings. This can be a critical source of income, particularly if you earned less than your spouse during the marriage.

When an ex-spouse decides to pursue benefits based on their ex-spouse’s working record, certain eligibility requirements must be met. For example, you must be at least 62 years old, you cannot be remarried, and the benefits you receive will not impact your ex-spouse’s benefits. But, if your marriage lasted less than 10 years, you would not qualify for these benefits, which could be a key consideration during divorce negotiations.

Other Factors Influenced by Length of Marriage

It is common for parents to have questions about the duration of their marriage as well. Typically, the length of a union doesn’t typically impact child custody or support, which are decided based on the best interests of the child. That said, in longer marriages, family dynamics might be more deeply entrenched, potentially leading to more complex discussions.

Regardless of whether your marriage lasted two years or twenty, having an experienced Bucks County family attorney is essential for protecting your rights and ensuring a fair outcome. Legal professionals help clients navigate the nuances of divorce law.

Is the length of your marriage on your mind as you move to separate? If you’re approaching a divorce and have questions about how your marriage duration could impact the process, reach out. The legal team at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. is available to craft a strategy that meets your needs and positions you for a strong financial and emotional future. Call 215-968-6602.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn