How can the Length of a Marriage Affect the Outcome of a Divorce?

How can the Length of a Marriage Affect the Outcome of a Divorce?

Divorce can be scary, especially if you are a financially dependent spouse. Not only are you making a major change in your life physically and emotionally, but you may also undergo a significant financial shift as well. Spouses getting divorced very often wonder whether they will be able to keep their house and preserve their standard of living once going off on their own.

Unfortunately, when spouses do not agree on the terms of their divorce, they will most likely enter the litigation process, where their marital assets will be subjected to equitable distribution. As you may know, “equitable” does not necessarily mean a 50/50 split. Instead, your assets will be divided as the courts see fit.

New York courts generally seek to mitigate the financial impact of a divorce on both spouses, so they will consider several aspects of you and your spouse’s lives before making a decision. Courts will consider your age, your health, you and your spouse’s yearly income, the number of children you have together, and more. However, what many people do not realize, is that New York courts also take the duration of your marriage into consideration as well.

Generally speaking, when a financially dependent spouse who has been in a long term marriage gets a divorce, the courts will award the aforementioned spouse more of the marital property than the financially independent spouse. This is a sigh of relief to many dependent spouses, as they stand a solid chance of keeping their home, especially with the assistance of a competent and skilled divorce attorney.

Additionally, alimony or spousal support terms can also be dictated, at least in part, by the duration of your marriage. For example, financially dependent spouses who have been married for 10 years are far more likely to receive alimony for a longer period of time than those who have only been married for a year or two. Dependent spouses who get divorced after a short term marriage will most likely only receive alimony for a short amount of time, especially if both spouses were employed throughout the marriage.

If you are getting a divorce and need the assistance of an experienced divorce attorney, look no further. Our firm has been dedicated to helping clients in need for years. We treat each client with the sincerity, dedication, and respect they deserve. We know how complicated divorce can be. That is why we are here to make the divorce process, and life itself, easier, so you can live the positive, productive life you deserve.

Contact our experienced Nassau County firm

The Pollack Law Firm, P.C., rated Nassau County’s “BEST” divorce lawyers and proudly serving clients in Nassau and Suffolk County for more than 22 years, is always available to assist and represent parties in divorce, separation and all other matrimonial and family law matters. Call today to schedule your complimentary case analysis: (516) 938-3330.

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