Gray Divorce—Unique Challenges for Couples 50 and Up in Vermont
August 20, 2025

Understanding retirement accounts, health insurance, and estate planning in later-life divorce

Divorce is challenging at any age. But when it occurs later in life, it comes with a unique set of emotional, financial, and legal considerations. Known as “gray divorce,” this trend is on the rise nationwide, and Vermont is no exception. Whether it’s a couple who’s grown apart after decades together, a second marriage that didn’t work out, or an unexpected separation due to changing needs or values, older Vermonters face specific challenges when untangling their lives.

If you’re over 50 and thinking about divorce — or already in the process — it's important to understand how Vermont law impacts key issues like retirement savings, health insurance, and long-term financial security.


Dividing Retirement Benefits in Gray Divorce

One of the biggest financial concerns for older couples is how divorce will affect retirement savings. In Vermont, retirement accounts — including 401(k)s, pensions, IRAs, or other investments — are generally considered marital property if they were earned or contributed to during the marriage.

These assets are subject to equitable distribution — meaning a fair division, not necessarily an equal one. However, splitting retirement accounts is not as simple as taking a number and dividing it in half. Depending on the type of account, you may need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) or other legal tools to divide funds without triggering taxes or penalties.

A thoughtful approach is key to ensuring both spouses can maintain financial stability during retirement.


Health Insurance After Divorce

In a gray divorce, health insurance can be a major issue — especially if one spouse has been relying on the other’s employer-based coverage. Once the divorce is finalized, coverage typically ends for the non-employee spouse.

Here are options to consider:

  • COBRA—Allows temporary continuation of coverage (at full cost) for up to 36 months.
  • Vermont Health Connect—Offers individual health insurance plans, sometimes with subsidies depending on income.
  • Medicare Eligibility—If one or both spouses are 65+, Medicare may be available — but understanding enrollment timelines and supplemental coverage options matters.

Making the right choice can have a significant impact on both cost and quality of care during your later years.


Estate Planning Must Be Updated

Many divorcing couples overlook estate planning — but for those 50 and older, it’s essential. A divorce should prompt a full review of all important documents, including:

  • Wills and trusts
  • Powers of attorney
  • Health care proxies
  • Beneficiary designations (insurance policies, retirement plans, etc.)

These documents likely name a spouse in key roles — and unless updated, they may leave your ex-spouse with unintended control over your medical, financial, or estate matters. Vermont courts encourage this reassessment to ensure your future wishes are clearly and legally defined.


Emotional and Lifestyle Impacts

Gray divorce isn't just about finances — it's about rebuilding life at a stage when identities are deeply intertwined. Many older adults face questions like:

  • Where will I live now?
  • How will I manage life alone after decades of marriage?
  • What does my social circle look like now?

Navigating these questions with support — both legal and personal — can help create a healthy path forward.


Legal Guidance During a Later-Life Divorce

At Deppman Law PLC, we understand the financial and emotional complexities of gray divorce in Vermont. Our goal is to help you make confident, informed decisions about your future. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and ensure that your next chapter is protected, both legally and financially.

Understanding Vermont’s Property Disclosure Requirements

September 18, 2025
What sellers must legally share with buyers…and what happens if they don’t Selling a home or property in Vermont involves several legal steps, but one of the most important — and often overlooked — is the requirement to disclose information about the property’s condition. Unlike some states where detailed, standardized disclosure forms are required by law, Vermont takes a slightly different approach. Still, sellers are obligated to provide accurate and truthful information about the property, particularly regarding any known defects or issues that could impact its value or use. Do I Have to Disclose Defects When Selling My Property in Vermont? In Vermont, there is no statewide mandatory property disclosure form required by law. However, Vermont courts have clearly established that sellers must not make material misrepresentations or intentionally withhold information about known defects. In simple terms: you don’t have to volunteer every detail, but you can’t lie or conceal something significant. Because of this, most sellers — especially those working with real estate agents — complete a Property Information Report or another disclosure form anyway. These documents typically cover the age and condition of systems like plumbing, roofing, electrical work, heating, water supply, septic tanks, and more. Sellers may also be asked to disclose whether the home contains asbestos, lead paint, structural damage, or boundary disputes. If a seller is unsure about a particular item (like the age of a roof), they can state that they're uncertain — but they cannot knowingly provide false information. What Counts as a “Material Defect”? A material defect is any issue that could affect the value or livability of the property. Examples include: A leaky roof or foundation cracks Water damage or mold problems A malfunctioning water heater or furnace Infestations Boundary disputes or title issues Unsafe drinking water or septic system failure Hazardous materials, such as asbestos or a buried oil tank If a seller is aware of such issues and fails to disclose them — or worse, attempts to hide them — they could be held liable for fraud or misrepresentation, even after the sale has closed. What Happens If a Seller Fails to Disclose a Known Issue? If a buyer later discovers an undisclosed problem with the property, the seller could face legal consequences, such as: Paying for repairs or replacement of damaged or defective systems Compensating the buyer for a loss in the property’s market value Cancellation of the sale , in extreme cases Punitive damages if the court finds evidence of willful fraud The burden is often on the buyer to prove that the seller knew about the defect and intentionally failed to disclose it. That’s why many buyers in Vermont choose to work with qualified real estate attorneys and inspectors when purchasing property, especially when buying older or rural homes. What About “As Is” Sales? Even if a property is sold “as is,” a seller is still responsible for disclosing any known material defects. The “as is” clause simply means that the seller will not make repairs before the sale — not that they’re excused from telling the truth about the property’s condition. Best Practices for Sellers To minimize risk: Be honest about the property, even if it means disclosing costly issues. Use standardized property disclosure forms, even if not technically required. Keep records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance. Consult an attorney if you’re unsure about what to disclose. Disclosing a defect upfront is almost always cheaper — and far less stressful — than dealing with a lawsuit later. Need Legal Guidance? Buying or selling property in Vermont can be complicated, especially when it comes to disclosure obligations. At Deppman Law PLC, we help clients manage real estate transactions with clarity and confidence. Contact our office today to discuss your real estate questions and ensure your transaction is handled the right way, with the protection and peace of mind you deserve.

How to Handle a Commercial Eviction in Vermont

July 15, 2025
A Legal Guide for Landlords When Tenants Default Even the best landlord-tenant relationships can run into trouble. When a commercial tenant fails to pay rent or violates the terms of the lease, landlords may need to take decisive legal action to protect their investment. While Vermont law offers clear procedures for removing a defaulting commercial tenant, the process is technical, and missteps can result in costly delays. Step 1: Review the Lease Agreement Before proceeding with an eviction, start by reviewing the commercial lease. Many Vermont commercial leases include provisions outlining: What constitutes a default (e.g., late rent, illegal use, abandonment) Required notice periods Tenant remediation or cure rights Acceleration clauses (allowing the landlord to demand full payment of remaining rent) These contractual terms often dictate how and when you can initiate an eviction, and failing to follow them exactly can undermine your case in court. Step 2: Serve the Proper Notice In Vermont, before filing for eviction, landlords must provide written notice to the tenant. This is known as a “Notice to Quit” or “Notice of Default,” depending on the circumstance. The notice must clearly describe: The nature of the default Any opportunity to cure (if allowed under the lease) The deadline by which the tenant must remedy the issue or vacate In most commercial cases, the notice period is specified in the lease. If it’s not, general Vermont law applies — and timelines must be followed precisely. Step 3: File an Eviction Action (if Necessary) If the tenant doesn’t cure the default or refuses to vacate, the next step is filing a commercial eviction lawsuit, also known as an “ejectment action,” in the appropriate Vermont Superior Court. This lawsuit asks the court to legally terminate the lease and order the tenant to leave the premises. Key steps in this phase include: Filing the complaint Having it properly served on the tenant Attending court hearings Obtaining a court order for possession if you prevail Commercial evictions move faster than residential evictions in Vermont, but they still require meticulous adherence to court rules and procedures. Step 4: Enforce the Court Order Once the landlord wins the case, the court issues a Writ of Possession, which authorizes the sheriff to remove the tenant from the property. It is illegal under Vermont law for a landlord to lock out a tenant or remove property without this court-issued writ. Even if the landlord is owed large sums of unpaid rent, self-eviction is not allowed. Following proper procedure is essential to avoid legal exposure and additional delays. What About Unpaid Rent or Damages? Along with regaining possession, landlords are entitled to pursue outstanding rent, late fees, legal costs, and other damages through the lawsuit or a separate civil action. Leases with “acceleration clauses” may allow landlords to demand the full value of unpaid future rent, but courts evaluate these terms carefully. Working with an Attorney Commercial evictions are rarely simple. They require careful coordination, attention to notice requirements, and sensitive handling of lease-specific terms. A commercial real estate attorney not only ensures all procedures are followed but can also help negotiate settlements that avoid costly litigation altogether. Contact Deppman Law PLC today to ensure that your next move is strategic, legally sound, and efficient.