The Complications of Divorcing After a Long Marriage

 Posted on October 31, 2025 in Divorce

If you and your spouse have been married for years, it may be difficult to envision a life apart from each other. However, when a relationship becomes insupportable, you may have to consider divorce as a way out. If you need help navigating your dissolution of marriage, you could benefit from the services of a skilled Joliet, IL divorce lawyer.

At the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C., our legal team has over a century of combined experience handling complex issues for clients. We can guide you through the struggles of divorcing after a long marriage, and our lawyers will take the time to understand your priorities.

Three Challenges That Come With Ending a Long Marriage

Spousal Support Concerns

After a long marriage, people get used to a certain standard of living. One spouse may need to ask for alimony to maintain that standard of living. Spouses often disagree about the terms of alimony, such as how much should be paid monthly or how long the support should last.

If an alimony dispute cannot be settled outside of court, the final decision will fall to a judge. In Illinois, the courts will review multiple factors to determine whether or not alimony is appropriate (750 ILCS 5/504), including:

• The length of the marriage

• The standard of living established during the marriage

• The needs of each party

• The future employability of either spouse

In marriages lasting 20 years or more, the judge can also consider an award of indefinite support. Our firm can help protect your financial interests, no matter where you stand in an alimony dispute.

Distinguishing Between Marital and Separate Property

When you and your spouse accumulate property together during your marriage, there may be some ambiguity about what belongs to you and what does not. Under Illinois law, any property acquired during your marriage is considered marital property, while any property acquired before that is separate property. While this sounds simple in theory, the lines of ownership become blurred when marital assets and separate assets are mixed together.

Furthermore, any asset received as a gift or inheritance is usually considered separate property. During your divorce, you will have to provide tangible evidence like receipts to show that a disputed piece of separate property belongs to you.

Other Concerns

Exiting a long marriage can make waves with your family and in-laws. If you have older or college-aged children, breaking the news of a divorce can also be a challenge.

A skilled attorney can help facilitate a smooth, discreet divorce. Our firm will keep your needs in mind, taking the time to understand your unique situation.

Contact a Will County, IL Family Law Attorney

Ending a long marriage can come with stress and heartbreak. At the Law Offices of Tedone and Morton, P.C., we are here to help you through the most challenging parts of your divorce. To schedule a free consultation with our Joliet, IL divorce lawyers, call our offices at 815-666-1285 today.