Social Security and Divorce

    In a long term marriage - ten years or more, a divorced spouse can potentially get higher social security benefits upon retirement.

An Example:  

• You have been married for 11 years.
• You get a divorce.
• At retirement you will get social security benefits based on your lifetime income.
• OR ... you may receive more if your spouse is entitled to higher benefits.
• You will receive a combination of benefits from your own social security entitlement plus part of your spouse's entitlement.
• This means your social security will be higher.

How does this affect your spouse at retirement?

    There is absolutely NO EFFECT on the spouse that made a higher income.  He or she will still receive the same retirement benefits.  The potential benefit to the higher income spouse is in a situation where alimony is payable.  The higher income spouse might be able to taper off alimony payments during retirement if the person receiving alimony receives higher social security benefits.

Bottom Line

     This is a benefit one or the other spouse receives without harm to the other former spouse.  There is little or no impact on your current divorce issues.

Divorce can be the single most important event in your life.  Make sure you gather lots of information so you can make informed decisions.  Many people can benefit from the advice of a good, honest, loyal divorce attorney.  The Divorce Center can provide a divorce attorney that can help you protect yourself.  A lawyer is not an expense in a divorce case - they are an investment. We help clients in Hernando County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, and Hillsborough County. Our service area includes Tampa, Clearwater, Largo, New Port Richey, Brooksville, Dade City, and the New Tampa area. CONTACT US NOW or call 888-469-3486