Divorce at any stage of life is a significant emotional and financial upheaval, but when it occurs during retirement, also known as a gray divorce, the stakes are often higher.
The rate of divorce among older adults, also known as “gray divorce”, has been increasing in recent decades. According to a 2022 study published in The Journals of Gerontology, the rate of gray divorce doubled between 1990 and 2019, and tripled for adults over 65.
Retired individuals typically have joint fixed incomes and depend heavily on their accumulated savings and investments to sustain their lifestyle. A divorce can disrupt these carefully laid plans, leading to financial insecurity if not managed properly.
In this week’s blog, we’re exploring the complexities of divorce in retirement and providing strategies to help protect your savings.
Understanding the Impact of Divorce on Retirement Finances
1. Division of Assets
One of the primary financial impacts of divorce is the division of marital assets. In many jurisdictions, assets acquired during the marriage are considered marital property and are subject to equitable distribution. This means that retirement accounts, pensions, real estate, and other investments may need to be split between spouses. This division can significantly reduce the retirement nest egg that each spouse was counting on.
2. Changes in Living Expenses
Post-divorce, each spouse must maintain a separate household, which can increase living expenses. Costs such as housing, utilities, and insurance can double when living separately. Additionally, healthcare costs may rise, particularly if one spouse was covered under the other’s employer-sponsored health plan and now must seek individual coverage.
3. Tax Implications
Divorce can also have tax consequences that affect retirement savings. Withdrawals from retirement accounts as part of a divorce settlement may be subject to taxes and penalties if not handled correctly. Understanding these implications is crucial to help minimize the tax burden.
How to Protect Your Savings During a Divorce
1. Seek Professional Guidance
Engaging professionals such as a divorce attorney and a financial advisor can be essential. They can provide advice on navigating the complexities of asset division, tax implications, and future financial planning.
2. Understand Your Retirement Accounts
It’s important to know the specifics of your retirement accounts, including how they are valued and divided. Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) are legal orders used to divide retirement plan assets in a divorce. Ensure that QDROs are correctly prepared and executed to help avoid unnecessary taxes and penalties.
3. Consider the Value of Different Assets
From Bitcoin to jewelry, not all assets are created equal, especially when it comes to retirement planning. Liquid assets, such as savings accounts and investments, are more accessible than illiquid assets like real estate. When negotiating a divorce settlement, consider the liquidity and tax implications of the assets you retain. For instance, keeping the family home may not be as advantageous as it seems if it results in high maintenance costs and property taxes.
4. Plan for Social Security Benefits
Social Security benefits can be an important source of income in retirement. If you were married for at least ten years, you might be eligible for spousal benefits based on your ex-spouse’s earnings record. Understanding these rules can help you maximize your Social Security income post-divorce.
5. Reevaluate Your Budget
Divorce necessitates a reassessment of your budget. Post-divorce, you’ll need to adjust to a new financial reality. Creating a detailed budget that reflects your new income, expenses, and savings goals is essential. This can help you maintain financial stability and make informed decisions about spending and saving.
6. Update Estate Planning Documents
Divorce often requires updates to estate planning documents, such as wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance policies. Ensuring these documents reflect your current wishes is crucial to protecting your assets, as well as making certain they are distributed according to your intentions.
7. Protect Your Credit
Divorce can impact your credit score, especially if joint accounts are not managed properly. Close joint accounts and open individual accounts to prevent potential credit issues. Monitor your credit report regularly to help ensure there are no errors or unexpected changes.
Long-Term Financial Planning Post-Divorce
1. Reassess Retirement Goals
Divorce may necessitate changes to your retirement goals. You might need to work longer, adjust your expected lifestyle in retirement, or find alternative sources of income. Reassessing your retirement plan with a financial advisor can help you set realistic goals and create a strategy to achieve them.
2. Focus on Building a Solid Financial Foundation
Post-divorce, focus on building a solid financial foundation. This includes paying down debt, establishing an emergency fund, and continuing to save for retirement. Even small contributions to retirement accounts can add up over time, thanks to the power of compound interest.
3. Explore Part-Time Work or New Income Streams
For many retirees, divorce may mean finding new income streams to supplement retirement savings. Part-time work, consulting, or even starting a small business can provide additional income and help bridge any financial gaps.
4. Stay Informed and Educated
Financial literacy is crucial, especially after a divorce. Stay informed about personal finance, investment strategies, and retirement planning. Numerous resources are available, including online courses, financial seminars, and books, to help you make informed decisions about your financial future.
How CKS Summit Group Can Help
CKS Summit Group is experienced in assisting individuals navigating the financial complexities of divorce during retirement. With a team of skilled advisors, we offer comprehensive support tailored to the unique financial challenges of this life stage. We can provide guidance on asset division, tax implications, and retirement account management. We also help clients reassess their retirement goals, develop new financial strategies, and create detailed budgets to maintain stability post-divorce.
Partnering with CKS Summit Group can help you confidently protect your savings and help secure your financial future amidst the upheaval of divorce.
If you’re in need of financial assistance, contact us today.
Final Thoughts
Divorce in retirement presents unique challenges, but careful planning and professional guidance can help you protect your savings and maintain financial stability. Understanding the impact of divorce on your retirement finances, taking proactive steps to safeguard your assets, and reevaluating your financial goals are essential components of navigating this life transition. Staying informed and making thoughtful decisions can help you secure your financial future and enjoy a fulfilling retirement.
