According to the Wall Street Journal, the percentage of seniors getting a divorce has 
increase in recent years. This could be because people are living longer. It could be because divorce has lost it’s stigma. It could be because people are more independent these days.
That brings up some interesting challenges. Who is going to be there for me when I get older? Who is going to take care of me if I have an operation? There are some things to consider.
Financial Issues
The financial consequences of divorce can be devastating for some seniors. Rising living expenses later in life can derail retirement plans or make it impossible for spouses to keep the marital home on a single income. According to USA Today, retiring can be 30-50 percent more expensive for divorced seniors. Seniors who divorce will also have less time to pay off debt and recoup potential losses. Additionally, the earning potential for seniors is far less if they have already left the job market to retire.
Social Security Issues
Individuals over the age of 62 who divorce their spouse after being married 10 or more years can collect retirement benefits through their ex’s Social Security record. This can be done without reducing the ex’s benefits. Former spouses might also be entitled to receive Social Security survivor benefits after their ex passes away. You should consult with an experienced divorce lawyer to determine if you are eligible to claim Social Security benefits after your marriage ends.
Insurance Issues
Many older couples often appoint one spouse to handle insurance matters, such as paying monthly bills or updating policies. After the couple divorces, the spouse that wasn’t in charge of these matters will have to get their own insurance policies. This can be daunting if the person has never encountered these issues because their ex used to take care of it all for them.
Long-Term Considerations
Facing the prospect of long-term care and preparing for one’s final wishes are some of the many factors that often need to be considered in a Gray Divorce. Updating your estate plan both during and after the divorce is recommended, as well as planning for the stipulations and costs of long-term medical care, should it be required.
Steven W. Hair, focuses his practice as a divorce attorney, family law attorney in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, and Safety Harbor.
For more information, visit our website at www.FamilyLawClearwater.com
or call (727) 726-0797.