Family Lawyer Susan Myres to speak on Elder Divorce or “Silver Splitters” --ZOOM CEU Program Free for members, $5 for non-members. All must register by Wed. Jan. 6, 2021 at midnight

6:45 - 7:00  Check-in and opportunities for members to share announcements

7:00 - 8:30  CEU Presentation

FAMILY LAWYER SUSAN MYRES TO SPEAK ON ELDER DIVORCE OR “SILVER SPLITTERS” 

While divorce is becoming less common for younger Americans, among US adults 50 and older, the divorce rate has roughly doubled since the 1990s, according to data from the National Center for Family & Marriage Research.

Susan Myres will focus on the intersections and collisions with mental health issues that can be significant in mature couples attempting to divorce.  When does one or both parties in a proposed elder divorce need to be tested by a geriatric specialist to determine whether the party is competent to make important decisions?  When should an expert probate and guardianship attorney be brought into the discussion as well as a family lawyer? What are the specific elements that need to be addressed in a family case that is particular to this age group?

Other important mental health issues affecting elder divorce can include depression and the effects of medications.  And what about the possibility that undue influence is being asserted over a vulnerable elder by a child or other relative?

What tools are available to help the mental health professionals and family law teams in assisting our clients in navigating the next chapter of their lives?

Susan Myres is a board-certified family law attorney at Myres & Associates PLLC. She has been practicing in Houston for over 35 years and has served in leadership positions locally, statewide and nationally. She is also the immediate past president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML).