Decades of a couple being together cannot necessarily be interpreted as wedded bliss. In Texas and elsewhere, the demographics of divorce are constantly changing. What might be thought of as typical; a marriage of several years ending when the two individuals realize things have changed; doesn’t always apply. As we noted in one recent article, knots that couples tied even 40 or 50 years ago are coming undone.
Texas couples of the baby boom generation might never have expected divorce would be part of their life story. Now that it is, they not only confront deep emotional upset, they may find themselves ill prepared to deal with how to divide the complicated financial structures that years of marriage created. Meeting the challenge is easiest when done in consultation with experienced legal help.
One thing that older divorcing couples may not appreciate is that the process can take longer than expected. The term “no-fault” divorce may apply, but in Texas, the standards are such that it takes at least 60 days from the day of the filing for the divorce to be approved by the court, and that presumes all the various issues get resolved without a hitch.
Consider, too, all that may have to be divided under the equitable division rules that apply in our state: Real property such as homes and vehicles (wherever they may be located), checking and savings accounts and funds in retirement accounts. Not everything can be split in half. Cash values must be assigned, agreements reached and legal assignments made.
Such issues can be difficult regardless of how old the couple is, but it obviously becomes more complicated the longer the couple has been together. In such cases, nothing serves to achieve an optimal outcome than solid experience in family law.
