IN Upper St. Clair Summer 2017 | Page 11

INDUSTRY INSIGHT DIVORCE LAW SPONSORED CONTENT Over 50 and looking to get divorced? What you need to know! L to R: Ronald Barber, Reid Roberts (Chair), Max Levine, Chrystal Tinstman, Shannon Sacca A ccording to the New York Times, “late-life divorce is becoming more common and more acceptable.” While the divorce rate for most ages may have flattened, the opposite appears to be true of the 50+ set. There are lots of famous examples of over-50 divorces (or, as it is known, “gray divorce”). Consider former Vice President Al Gore and Tipper, Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Toni Tenille and her “Captain” husband divorcing after 39 years of marriage. If you are contemplating a separation or divorce after many decades of marriage, you will need skilled and professional advice from an attorney. There is a lot at stake including the following: 1. The longer you have been married, the more complicated your divorce may be. You may need to determine the amount and length of alimony. Don’t just consider your spouse’s base salary, but also take into account bonuses, perks, restricted stock options and ownership stakes. 2. We often recommend that, after meeting with us, our clients meet with a skilled financial planner to determine what kinds of support and division of marital assets are necessary to take care of themselves now and in the future. 3. Retirement funds and other assets are likely to be shared in some fashion. 4. With respect to the marital home, we work with our clients to determine whether they can afford the house and its upkeep when considering the rest of the distribution. 5. Pay attention to your future insurance needs in the areas of health, life, property, disability and long- term care. Make them part of your divorce financial arrangement. 6. When and if you decide to remarry, we recommend that you get a prenuptial agreement. 7. There are specific divorce rules relating to Social Security. We counsel clients regarding their Social Security rights in the event of a divorce. 8. If you are paying alimony, you may need a life insurance policy to cover future alimony payments, and it could be expensive. 9. Take protective measures while you are married. Have a bank account and credit card in your name. Save some rainy day funds. 10. Even though your children are older, it doesn’t mean that their needs should not be considered, especially in terms of inheritances. You don’t want this change in your life to affect what your children should inherit. We often talk with our clients about estate planning so everyone is protected. 11. You are going to experience a wide range of emotions. Perhaps distress and anger—or possibly the change exhilarates you. Either way,—get any emotional support you need. Our experienced team of divorce lawyers is available to answer your toughest questions. Let us help you navigate this difficult time in your life. Ask for any member of our team at 412.281.5423 or go to www.smgglaw.com. For a free copy of our essential “Divorce Handbook,” please contact Reid at [email protected] or call 412.281.5423. Upper St. Clair | Summer 2017 | icmags.com 9