Over the course of a long marriage, Detroit residents typically go through many different experiences together. The birth of children, the change of careers and other life changes are common over the years. Each of these experiences can raise important legal issues at the end of a marriage.
For instance, Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers recently filed for divorce from U.S. Rep. John Conyers. The couple, which has been married for 25 years, has experienced their fair share of ups and downs over the years, including the birth of two children, a prison sentence and high-profile careers.
An attorney for Monica Conyers indicated the couple had a few options for proceeding, including entering into a divorce or signing a post-nuptial agreement. These are similar to prenuptial agreements, in that they are contracts between the spouses as to the division of assets and benefits, but they are executed after the marriage instead of before it.
While the couple’s marriage may be unique in certain aspects, it is also typical in others. For instance, couples who have been married for decades often must resolve detailed issues of property division between the individuals. The individuals frequently dispute how certain assets should be divided, including larger assets like the family home and priceless assets like antiques or inheritances.
This is particularly true for those in long-term marriages, as the couple frequently has accumulated more significant assets over the years, as opposed to a younger couple. Accordingly, individuals in long-term marriages should be sure their rights are protected and they have a full understanding of all assets that are at stake in the divorce, including pension or retirement plans of the other spouse, investments and other assets that might not be readily apparent.
Source: Detroit Free Press, “Monica Conyers files for divorce from Rep. John Conyers,” Tresa Baldas, Oct. 2, 2015
