Going through a divorce after many years or decades of marriage can be an emotional and legally complex ordeal. Spouses in their 50s or later decades have often amassed a large marital estate that must be divided according to state laws. Gray divorce lawyers in Suffolk County understand the complexities of these types of cases and how to protect their clients’ interests and rights. Their work can ensure you have the resources to rebuild with confidence.
When everything you’ve built is on the line, you need representation that gets results. The Levoritz Law Firm represents clients in high-value divorces that involve complex assets and multiple properties. We understand the challenges of dividing large estates and can focus on protecting your property rights and other priorities.
Setting our law firm apart is our focus on delivering client-focused services. Our award-winning attorneys are skilled litigators who bring decades of combined experience. We are willing to file first when needed, and we are not afraid to pursue litigation when it serves the interests of our clients. Trust our family law team to take the time to learn about your situation and goals before tailoring the right approach to furthering your interests in court.
Gray divorce is not a formal legal term, but it does describe a unique type of family court case involving divorcing spouses in their 50s or later years. The distinction matters because couples in that age demographic have often amassed a large marital estate. There are around 3.2 million people aged 65 and older living in New York, and the average divorce rate in the state is around 2.4 per 1,000 residents in a typical year.
These cases are generally handled at the Suffolk County Supreme Court, which is located at 1 Court Street in Riverhead. Divorces involving seniors are handled under the same laws and guidelines that govern all divorces. Property division is governed by the state’s equitable distribution laws, while spousal support is based on state guidelines.
Older couples often face unique challenges in court. Whether your home is located in Huntington, Smithtown, Brookhaven, or elsewhere in Suffolk County, accounting for all marital and separate property can be a daunting undertaking. The courts require a full accounting of the marital estate, and any major errors or oversights could delay the divorce process.
Divorcing couples can also face disputes over spousal support. While short-term marriages rarely qualify for alimony, the courts may include an order of support in the final gray divorce court order. Any party seeking spousal support would need to present evidence supporting that request. Common factors that a judge can weigh include the length of the marriage, the earning capacity of each spouse, and their relative ages.
If you are going through a divorce in Suffolk County, your top priority should be to hire a gray divorce lawyer who understands your needs. Not all lawyers represent clients in gray divorce cases. By working with an attorney who understands gray divorce laws, you can position yourself in court to secure an outcome that protects your rights and safeguards your interests.
Gray divorce attorneys in Suffolk County can review your case, explain your rights and options, and tailor the right strategy to your case. Then, they can take decisive action based on your goals so you remain one step ahead of your spouse throughout the court process. During a difficult time, their unwavering support can provide you with the encouragement you need to see your case through.
A: Your wife cannot unilaterally take your retirement in a divorce, although she may be lawfully entitled to an equitable portion of that account. Marital property includes things that were acquired during the marriage. If only a portion of the retirement accrued value during the marriage, an attorney can help you account for those and other assets. Separate property is not subject to division during a divorce.
A: Separate property cannot be touched during a divorce. These types of assets include gifts, inheritances, and anything that was brought into the marriage. Separate property is transferable. One example would be a car that was owned before marriage. Any proceeds from the sale of that car would also be separate property and, as such, would not be subject to division during a divorce.
A: There is no single worst age for divorce, although there are unique factors that can play a role in divorces involving a large estate or spouses who are 50 and over. As you enter different stages of life, your priorities during a divorce may change. Younger parents may focus on custody rights, while older spouses may be more concerned with protecting their estate and what they have built over years or decades.
A: You can prepare for a gray divorce by gathering financial documents and working with an experienced attorney to learn about your options and the potential challenges you may face in court. Even if you have not decided to file for divorce, your lawyer can help you understand the divorce process and the potential strategies that can protect your most valued assets.
Going through a divorce later in life can pose unique challenges that require focused representation from an attorney who understands what you are going through. When you work with the legal team at The Levoritz Law Firm, you benefit from our years of dedicated service to spouses going through a gray divorce.
While other law firms focus on moving cases, we take the time to learn about our clients’ needs and priorities so we can formulate the right strategy to help protect what matters most. From the moment you secure representation from our firm, you will be connected to one of our lead attorneys. They can take a hands-on approach to managing your case. Contact our office today to learn how we can help you manage your divorce with confidence and clarity.

This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Yonatan Levoritz who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a divorce & family attorney.