Preparing for Divorce After a Long Marriage

 Posted on January 14, 2025 in Complex Divorce

Divorce after a very short marriage often moves quite quickly. Spouses who were only married for a few years have not had much time to build up a marital estate. They are less likely to have had children, especially if the marriage was not very sound from the beginning. Spouses who have been married for a long time usually have more complex divorces. There is a lot more marital property to divide, and long-married spouses often have more complex property types that are not always as easy to divide. While your children are likely grown adults, you will still need to navigate future holidays and family events. Then, there is the personal side of getting a fresh start as a mature adult. If you are ending a long marriage, you need to be represented by an aggressive Madison, WI divorce lawyer.

Property Division, Alimony, and Complex Financial Situations 

The longer you have been married, the more intertwined your finances are with your spouse’s. You likely share some appreciating assets, like a vacation home you rent out for extra income or a strong stock portfolio. Creative solutions are often called for. Some spouses continue co-ownership of some assets after divorce because it is easier for their family and prevents financial losses.

Alimony is also more likely to be needed - and granted - after a long marriage when one spouse is less able to support himself or herself. If you would like to make a clean break and avoid ongoing support obligations, you may consider distributing property in a way that eliminates one spouse’s need for alimony.

Planning for Visitation With Your Children and Grandchildren 

You cannot create a legal parenting plan for your adult children, but you should still talk about how you will handle future family events. If your plans involve seeing each other occasionally for events like your grandchildren’s birthday parties, you may want to approach your divorce more collaboratively to help facilitate an amicable future relationship. If you plan to avoid each other, you should discuss how you will divide family time going forward.

Enjoying Life as a Single Adult 

Transitioning from a long-term marriage to a single life can be intimidating but also exciting and enjoyable. Now is the time to begin focusing on what makes you happy. Finding a club based on an activity you enjoy, taking up a new hobby, or trying some solo travel can help you make the most of your new way of life.

Contact a Dane County, WI Complex Divorce Lawyer

John T. Fields & Associates, LLC is committed to providing excellent representation for people undergoing complex divorce. Dedicated Madison, WI complex divorce attorney John T. Fields is highly knowledgeable about the issues facing long-married couples who get divorced. Contact us at 608-729-3590 for a confidential consultation.