Ending a marriage after many years is one of the hardest decisions a person can face. When a couple has shared decades together, divorce brings not only emotional weight but also complex legal and financial challenges. For many people, the thought of separating retirement savings, dividing property, and planning for a future alone can feel overwhelming.
If this is where you find yourself, it helps to understand how Florida law views long marriages and what protections may be available.
How Florida Classifies Marriage Length
The length of a marriage matters in Florida because it often influences how alimony, or spousal support, is decided. Courts generally place marriages into three categories:
- Short-term marriages: less than 10 years
- Spousal support is less common and, if awarded, it usually lasts a short time.
- Courts may grant temporary support such as bridge-the-gap or rehabilitative alimony.
- Moderate-term marriages: Between 10 to 20 years.
- Judges have more flexibility in deciding the type and length of alimony.
- The outcome often depends on each spouse’s needs, income, and contributions during the marriage.
- Long-term marriages: 20 years or more
- Judges may award durational alimony and will weigh factors such as each spouse’s age, health, financial resources, and ability to become self-supporting when deciding the amount and length of support.
These classifications do not guarantee alimony, but they shape how courts approach spousal support.
Dividing Assets After Many Years Together
In Florida, property is divided through equitable distribution, which means the court aims for a fair division rather than a perfect 50-50 split. In long-term marriages, this process can involve significant assets, including:
- Retirement accounts. Pensions, 401(k) plans, and IRAs may need to be divided through a court order called a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO).
- The marital home. Some couples decide to sell and divide the proceeds, while others agree that one spouse should remain for stability.
- Investments and savings. Accounts that may have grown over decades are shared fairly between spouses.
- Debts. Mortgages, credit card balances, and medical bills must also be divided.
The longer the marriage, the more intertwined the finances usually are, which can make the process more complex.
Spousal Support in Long-Term Marriages
Alimony often becomes a central issue in divorces involving marriages of 10 years or more. Judges look at many factors, including:
- How long the marriage lasted
- The income and financial resources of each spouse
- The lifestyle maintained during the marriage
- The age and health of each spouse
- Non-financial contributions, such as raising children or managing the household
In marriages that lasted decades, courts are more likely to award longer-term or permanent alimony. This is especially true if one spouse stayed home or has limited earning ability after years away from the workforce.
Planning for Retirement and the Future
Divorce later in life often means rethinking retirement plans. Money that was once meant to support one household must now stretch to support two. This may lead to:
- Adjusting financial goals or budgets
- Working longer than originally planned
- Reviewing Social Security options, since benefits can be affected by divorce
- Updating estate plans to reflect new beneficiaries
These changes can be difficult to process, but planning ahead can ease the transition.
Emotional and Family Considerations
The end of a long marriage is about more than finances. It can affect adult children, extended family, and social circles built over decades. Many people also face the challenge of learning to live independently again, which can bring feelings of grief and uncertainty. Recognizing the emotional side of divorce is just as important as dealing with the legal details.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
A divorce after many years together is about more than dividing property. It is about protecting what you built, planning for the future, and ensuring your sacrifices are recognized. Having an attorney you trust can help you understand your rights and make decisions with confidence.
A lawyer can help by:
- Working toward a fair division of property, retirement, and savings
- Helping pursue appropriate spousal support based on your situation
- Offering strategies to protect long-term financial stability
- Providing clarity and reassurance during an emotional process
With the right support, you can move through this transition without feeling alone.
The Experience of Law Offices of E.F. Robinson
For nearly 30 years, Veronica Robinson, Esq., has guided Florida families through divorces involving long-term marriages. Our office has handled cases with complex financial issues, retirement accounts, and spousal support concerns.
We know these cases are about more than numbers. They are about dignity, fairness, and peace of mind. Our commitment is to give you strong legal advocacy combined with compassion, so you feel supported as you take the next steps in your life.
This article is for general informational purposes only. If you need advice about your specific circumstances, consult with a qualified family law attorney in Florida.
