Gray Divorce Attorney in Dallas, TX

Ending a marriage after many years is an emotional and life-changing decision. The process can feel overwhelming, bringing a mix of grief, uncertainty, and concern about the future.

At Balekian Hayes, PLLC, we understand the emotional and financial challenges of ending a long-term relationship. As a law firm dedicated solely to family law, we provide compassionate, non-judgmental support to help high-net-worth individuals navigate this transition with the advocacy they deserve.

We keep our caseload manageable, so every client gets the time and personalized attention they require. If you’re facing a gray divorce, our experienced Dallas divorce attorneys are here to protect your future and help you move forward with confidence and clarity. 

Call us today or reach out online to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward your fresh start.

Understanding Gray Divorce: An Overview

Gray divorce refers to couples over 50 ending their marriage. This type of divorce is becoming more common, with 36% of divorces in the U.S. involving adults in this age group. The rate continues to climb among those 65 and older, bringing unique challenges like dividing substantial marital assets, handling high-value investments, and protecting long-term financial stability. 

In Texas, every divorce must meet specific legal “grounds” under state law. Many older couples cite “insupportability,” meaning the marriage is no longer working and cannot be repaired. For some, this happens after decades of growing apart, often becoming more apparent once children leave home. Others may face financial disputes over investments, business holdings, or trust funds. More serious cases may involve adultery, abandonment, cruelty, or other legal grounds.

After a Petition for Divorce is filed and the other spouse is served, Texas law mandates a 60-day waiting period before the divorce can be finalized. This “cooling-off period” is meant to allow reflection, though many older couples have already made their decision.

If you are facing a divorce later in life, a knowledgeable Gray Divorce Attorney in Dallas can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the process.

Unique Challenges of Gray Divorce

Getting divorced later in life presents unique financial and legal challenges, especially when significant assets are involved. 

Some key challenges include:

• Dividing Long-Term Assets – Property, investments, and valuable collections accumulated during the marriage or with marital funds must be divided between the partners per Texas law.
• Retirement Concerns – Divorce can affect executive compensation packages, stock options, pensions, and private investment accounts, requiring complex financial restructuring.
• Business Valuation and Ownership – For business owners, determining a company’s true value and future profitability is critical during asset division.
• Spousal Support and Lifestyle Maintenance – High-asset divorces often involve substantial alimony considerations, which ensure both parties can maintain their accustomed standard of living.

Role of Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are legal contracts that specify how assets will be divided in the event of a divorce. They are especially useful for high-net-worth individuals looking to protect their financial interests and reduce disputes down the road. If you have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, a qualified Gray Divorce Attorney in Dallas can help enforce its terms and protect your financial interests. 

Prenuptial Agreements

A prenup, signed before marriage, establishes how assets, corporate shares, and international holdings will be divided in the event of divorce. This is especially important for those entering a second marriage or bringing substantial wealth into the relationship.

Postnuptial Agreements

As the name suggests, a postnup is created after marriage. It can help safeguard business interests, intellectual property, and privately held investments as financial circumstances evolve.

Asset Protection and Division

Dividing assets in a gray divorce can be complex, particularly when significant wealth is tied up in real estate, business ownership, and diversified investment portfolios. 

Texas follows community property laws, meaning most assets acquired during the marriage are divided 50/50. However, some assets may be classified as separate property. These include those outlined in a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, property owned before the marriage, and gifts or inheritances received during the marriage. Distinguishing between separate and marital assets in high-net-worth divorces requires thorough analysis.

Key considerations for asset protection and division include:

• Real Estate – Multi-million-dollar estates, vacation homes, and rental investments require strategic negotiations to preserve wealth.
• Business and Professional Practices – Entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals must determine how to equitably divide business assets while maintaining company operations.
• Investment Portfolios – Stocks, bonds, and private equity investments must be carefully reviewed to determine a fair value.
• Hidden Assets and Financial Forensics – High-net-worth divorces may involve uncovering concealed accounts, cryptocurrency holdings, or offshore trusts.

Preparing for a Gray Divorce

If you are considering a divorce, proactive planning is essential to protect your assets and financial future. You should:

• Gather records of bank accounts, corporate holdings, investment portfolios, and tax filings.
• Work with valuation experts to obtain accurate valuations for companies, real estate, and luxury assets.
• Update estate planning documents like wills and trusts to reflect post-divorce arrangements.
• Consult a Dallas divorce lawyer who is well-versed in Dallas family law and complex financial matters.

A family lawyer from Balekian Hayes, PLLC, has the experience and legal knowledge to handle every stage of your case. During the discovery phase, we gather financial records, assess business valuations, and uncover hidden assets to facilitate a fair division. 

If mediation is an option, we work to negotiate favorable terms that align with your best interests. If a resolution cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to represent you in trial and advocate for the best possible outcome.

Contact Balekian Hayes Today

We know that divorce is difficult at any age, and we are here for you. At Balekian Hayes, PLLC, we provide compassionate support and sophisticated legal guidance to help you through this season of life. With over two decades of experience handling high-conflict and high-net-worth divorce cases, we offer strategic and discreet legal representation tailored to your unique needs. Personalization, innovation, and honesty are at the heart of everything we do. 

Whether handling asset protection or spousal support, our Dallas family law attorneys approach every aspect of your case with precision and care. Our clients trust us to protect their futures, and their testimonials reflect their appreciation for our dedicated advocacy.

Call us today or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our experienced high-net-worth divorce attorneys in Dallas.