Doylestown, PA – Family law attorney Robert J. Salzer of Williams Family Law recently shared key insights into the growing trend of gray divorce - divorces occurring later in life - on the “Law in the Family” podcast, a production of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Family Law Section. In Episode 49: Gray Divorce – Navigating Client Concerns for Baby Boomer Divorces, Salzer and podcast host Aaron Weems explored the unique challenges facing individuals divorcing in their 50s, 60s, and beyond.

“There’s been a notable uptick in divorces among Baby Boomers,” said Salzer. “Unlike younger couples, these individuals are often closer to retirement, which brings a distinct set of financial and emotional concerns—especially for dependent spouses who may have left the workforce to raise children. Suddenly, they find themselves in a vastly different economic situation.”

Salzer addressed a number of significant issues related to gray divorce, including:

Financial Adjustments: Dependent spouses may struggle to re-enter the workforce after decades away, and previous lifestyles may no longer be sustainable.
Property and Assets: The marital home, often a source of deep emotional attachment, must now be considered simply as a financial asset.
Pension & Benefits: Retirement plans, pensions, and company-provided healthcare benefits will play a crucial role in settlements.
Family Dynamics: Adult children can add emotional complexity to the divorce process, especially when estate planning comes into play.

One central issue in gray divorces is the fact that prenuptial agreements are often absent, as many marriages began in the 1970s before such contracts were common. Additionally, changing laws—such as shifts in how alimony is taxed—further complicate settlements.

“There’s a lot of misinformation out there,” Salzer cautioned, explaining that individuals starting the process often arm themselves with data that turns out to be counterproductive. “People talk to friends, search online, and come in with misconceptions about divorce laws, often from other states. Part of my job is to counsel them through the process as smoothly as possible.”

A Fellow of the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Salzer specializes in divorce, spousal support, child support, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and high-conflict child custody cases involving complex financial matters. He holds degrees from the University of Pittsburgh, The Catholic University School of Law (J.D.), and Boston University School of Law (LL.M. in Taxation) and is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

The full podcast episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart.

Williams Family Law is a premier family law firm that provides individuals with matrimonial and family law legal counsel and representation in complex high asset divorce, high income alimony/spousal support, complex child support, high-conflict child custody cases, cohabitation, grandparents’ custody rights, equitable distribution, marital settlement agreements, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, separation agreements, spousal support, matrimonial taxation issues and related legal matters. The practice at Williams Family Law centers on four core principles: experienced guidance, compassionate advice, powerful advocacy and knowledge of the local courts and counsel. To learn more, visit www.bucksfamilylawyers.com.