Divorce is never easy, no matter your age. But if you’re over 50 and facing the end of a long-term marriage, the challenges can be especially complex. This type of divorce is often called a gray divorce, and it’s becoming more common in Chicago, IL, and across the country. If you need help, reach out to KHK Family Law & Divorce Attorneys at 312-702-0068 as soon as possible.
Our experienced team understands how overwhelming the prospect of divorce may feel. You’re not just dividing property. You may be thinking about retirement, your health, adult children, or even starting over.
Our firm serves clients with personalized divorce solutions designed for people later in life. Gray divorce involves unique legal and emotional issues. We’re here to help you make informed choices so you can move forward with peace of mind.
Schedule a free consultation with a Chicago gray divorce lawyer to get the guidance and legal support you need.
How KHK Family Law & Divorce Attorneys Can Help You Navigate a Gray Divorce in Chicago
At KHK Family Law & Divorce Attorneys, we understand the personal and financial stakes involved in ending a long-term marriage. If you’re over 50 and considering divorce, you need more than just legal advice: you need a clear plan, tailored support, and a legal team that truly listens.
Our firm brings over 70 years of combined experience to every case we handle. We know that gray divorce is different. You may be close to retirement, have complex assets, or rely on your spouse financially. Maybe you’ve stayed in the marriage for decades and now face starting over.
Our goal is to guide you through this transition with clarity and compassion.
Here’s what our team can do to help you navigate a divorce in Chicago, Illinois:
- Explain your rights and how the law will apply to unique issues in your divorce
- Discuss important issues in depth and explain resolution options
- Develop a personalized strategy based on your goals
- Explore options to address spousal support
- Assist with asset valuation
- Help you protect your financial future and retirement
- Manage adult children’s needs, inheritance concerns, or family businesses
- Negotiate with your spouse and their attorney to reach a fair settlement
- Litigate your divorce when it’s necessary to protect your rights and interests
Our multilingual staff is ready to assist you. Schedule a free case evaluation with a Chicago gray divorce attorney today. We’ll help you understand your rights, make confident decisions, and protect what matters most.
What Is a Gray Divorce in Chicago?
A gray divorce involves spouses age 50 or older and often includes unique financial and emotional challenges tied to retirement, long-term assets, and lifestyle changes. Many have been in long-term or second marriages. The trend is growing—divorce rates for adults over 50 have doubled since 1990. In Chicago, more couples are choosing to separate later in life due to evolving priorities, increased life expectancy, and changing views on marriage. Given the high stakes, experienced legal support throughout the divorce process is essential.
What Are the Unique Issues in a Gray Divorce in Chicago, Illinois?
Gray divorces often involve more complex and emotionally sensitive issues than divorces between younger couples. When a marriage ends later in life, there’s usually more at stake, financially, personally, and medically. You may be close to retirement, dealing with health issues, or worried about how the divorce could affect your adult children or future plans.
Divorce after 50 can be more devastating financially than at a younger age. About 45% of women and 21% of men over 50 experience a decline in their standard of living post-divorce.
Understanding these unique challenges is the first step toward protecting your interests. Here are some of the key issues in a gray divorce in Chicago, and how KHK Family Law & Divorce Attorneys can help.
Complex Asset Division
Gray divorces often involve dividing significant assets like real estate, investments, and pensions. In Illinois, property is divided equitably, not necessarily equally, which can make the process complex. Distinguishing marital from separate property and valuing assets such as businesses or stock portfolios often requires expert analysis.
At KHK Family Law & Divorce Attorneys, we work with financial professionals to make sure everything is properly identified, valued, and divided so you get your fair share.
Spousal Support (Alimony)
Spousal support, also called alimony or maintenance, is more common in gray divorces, especially after long marriages where one spouse earned most of the income.
If one spouse stayed home to raise children or supported the other’s career, they may now have limited earning power. Spousal support can help bridge that gap. The court will look at many factors, including:
- Length of the marriage
- Standard of living during the marriage
- Each spouse’s age, health, and income potential
Support is usually calculated based on guidelines, but the court can deviate from these guidelines based on unique factors in the case. We help clients either pursue fair support or avoid paying more than is reasonable.
Retirement Assets and Social Security Benefits
One of the most important issues in a gray divorce is how retirement accounts will be divided. This can include:
- 401(k)s and IRAs
- Pensions
- Deferred compensation
- Government or military retirement plans
Splitting these accounts properly often requires a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). If this step is skipped or done incorrectly, it could result in large tax penalties or loss of benefits. In addition, you may qualify for Social Security spousal benefits based on your ex-spouse’s earnings, even after divorce. However, certain rules apply, such as being married for at least 10 years.
Our legal team will help you protect these critical assets and understand your retirement options.
Long-Term Care Planning and Health Insurance
As people age, access to affordable healthcare becomes even more important. In a gray divorce, one spouse may lose access to employer-provided insurance, especially if they’re not yet eligible for Medicare.
Some people delay divorce until they turn 65 for this reason. Others need to explore private health insurance or COBRA coverage after the divorce.
If one spouse has medical conditions or limited income, the divorce agreement may need to address future care needs or include provisions for ongoing support.
We help clients think ahead so unexpected medical costs don’t become a financial crisis down the road.
Estate Planning and Inheritance
Many people going through gray divorce already have estate plans, wills, or trusts in place. These documents need to be updated after the divorce to reflect your new wishes.
You may also want to revise:
- Beneficiary designations on life insurance or retirement accounts
- Powers of attorney
- Health care directives
- Inheritance plans for adult children or grandchildren
Some divorcing spouses also have concerns about inheritances received during the marriage or assets they want to go to children from a prior relationship.
Our attorneys work closely with estate planners and financial advisors to make sure your legacy stays protected.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Chicago Gray Divorce Lawyer
If you’re over 50 and considering divorce in Chicago, Illinois, you deserve an advocate who will help you secure your future and protect your interests. The decisions you make now can affect your retirement, finances, and peace of mind for years to come.
At KHK Family Law & Divorce Attorneys, we will help you seek a positive resolution, address your goals, and move forward with confidence. Schedule a free consultation with a Chicago gray divorce lawyer today. We’ll listen to your concerns, explain your options, and build a plan that protects your future.