Divorce Over 50 Attorney in Birmingham, AL
Protecting Your Retirement, Property, and Future After a Later-in-Life Divorce
Divorce after the age of 50, sometimes called gray divorce, presents a unique set of financial and legal challenges that differ greatly from divorces earlier in life. With decades of shared assets, retirement savings, property, and estate planning documents at stake, the decisions made during this process can have lasting consequences for your financial security and independence.
At Ruth Robinson Law, our Birmingham gray divorce attorney understands what is at stake during this pivotal time in your life. We provide thoughtful, strategic guidance designed to protect your assets and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Contact us online or call (205) 984-1915 today to schedule your initial consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout Birmingham, Shelby, Jefferson, and St. Clair Counties.
Key Financial Issues in Divorce Over 50
Later-in-life divorces often involve significant accumulated wealth and complex financial entanglements that have developed over many years. While every case is different, the following issues are frequently central to gray divorce proceedings:
Retirement Accounts and Pensions
Retirement savings are often the most valuable assets in a later-in-life divorce. These may include 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions, and other employer-sponsored retirement plans. Correctly dividing these accounts requires strict compliance with federal and state laws. In many cases, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is required to divide a retirement plan without triggering early withdrawal penalties or taxes.
Social Security Benefits
If your marriage lasted 10 or more years, you may be entitled to benefits based on your former spouse's Social Security earnings record. Understanding how divorce affects your Social Security options is an important part of planning for financial stability in retirement.
Property and Real Estate Division
Dividing the marital home and any additional real estate requires careful consideration. Questions of who will keep the home, whether it will be sold, and how equity will be divided must be addressed. For many individuals divorcing after 50, the family home represents a significant portion of their net worth and carries both financial and emotional weight.
Spousal Support (Alimony)
When a long-term marriage ends, and one spouse earns significantly less than the other (or has been out of the workforce for an extended period), alimony may be appropriate. Alabama courts consider the length of the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity, and the standard of living established during the marriage when determining spousal support.
Investments and Financial Accounts
Stock portfolios, brokerage accounts, mutual funds, and other investments accumulated over the course of a long marriage must be carefully valued and equitably divided. Taxes, capital gains implications, and current market values all factor into these decisions.
How Divorce Can Impact Your Estate Plan
One of the most frequently overlooked consequences of divorce is its impact on existing estate planning documents.
After a divorce, you should promptly review and update the following:
- Last Will and Testament – Wills that leave assets to a former spouse
- Trusts – Trusts that name a former spouse as a beneficiary or trustee
- Beneficiary Designations – Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and bank accounts (these do not automatically change upon divorce)
- Powers of Attorney – Durable and healthcare powers of attorney that grant a former spouse legal authority
- Healthcare Directives – Any advance healthcare directives or living wills
While estate plan updates are handled separately from your divorce proceeding, it is important to address them promptly following your divorce to ensure your assets are protected and your wishes are accurately reflected.
Why Work With Ruth Robinson Law?
Attorney Ruth Robinson has more than 20 years of family law experience representing clients across all phases of divorce, including complex, contested cases involving significant marital estates. She understands the specific financial and personal concerns that come with divorcing later in life and approaches every case with the care and thoroughness it deserves.
When you work with our firm, you can expect experienced, client-focused representation, including:
- A Dedicated Family Law Practice – Focused exclusively on divorce and family law matters.
- Trusted Local Experience – Serving Birmingham and surrounding areas, including Shelby, Jefferson, and St. Clair Counties.
- Comprehensive Representation – Skilled in both negotiated settlements and courtroom litigation.
- Flexible, Accessible Service – Offering convenient virtual consultations to fit your schedule.
If you are considering or facing a gray divorce in Birmingham, the right legal representation can make all the difference in protecting the financial future you have worked decades to build.
Contact us online or call (205) 984-1915 today to schedule your initial consultation with our firm.
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“Great lawyer and dedicated to justice for her clients.”
- JamesMrs Robinson is dedicated to Justice and fairness. She is knowledgeable. And honest. She is the best investigative lawyer I've ever known. She don't stop until Justice is served. Mrs Robinson is honest and reasonable and will tell you the truth. Her courtroom knowledge is second to none. She is family oriented. Has a great attitude and is all around a special person. I would recommend her to any one.
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“She communicated with me throughout the process.”
She got pretrial diversion for me in my case. She communicated with me throughout the process. She also did not have to return to court with me for the final step but she did!- LeAnn -
“GETS RESULTS!!!! PHENOMENAL ATTORNEY!”
I have personally watched Ms. Robinson in open court, and she is exactly what you want! She is THE quintessential attorney! Don't hesitate to contact her, she will immediately start working and your case, and she won't disappoint!- David -
“She went above and beyond”
Due to a misunderstanding, a warrant was issued in Alabama, even though we live in Virginia and hadn't been to Alabama for many years. We were apprehensive about the possibility of traveling to Alabama during these uncertain times. Luckily, Ms. Robinson was able to quickly and professionally interact with local law enforcement and the district attorney's office to get the case dismissed without us having to be there. Throughout her handling of the case, she went above and beyond to make sure we were aware she was doing everything in her power to assist us. We are deeply appreciative of her and her efforts and would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone needing representation.- Lynn -
“Amazing and highly recommended.”
I contacted Ruth Robinson on a Saturday regarding a warrant that was issued for failure to appear. On Monday, she filed a notice of appearance as my attorney and filed a motion to have the warrant recalled. The court told her they’d recall the warrant and set a new court date. Ruth was very professional, diligent, and went above and beyond for me. She listened to everything I told her, requested me to send her several screenshots and filed the necessary paperwork to get the warrant recalled and a new court date. Amazing and highly recommended if you want or need someone who is passionate about practicing law and treating you like you’re a priority.- Terry -
“I trust her completely and she has always worked hard for me.”
Ruth Robinson is a thorough and passionate criminal defense attorney. When I found myself facing criminal charges for something that was completely bogus in a corrupt governmental atmosphere, she has worked with me diligently and continues to do so. I trust her completely and she has always worked hard for me. Better than any attorney I could ask for through and through.- Anonymous
