When an older couple decides to end their marriage, a lot more is at stake. The divorce lawyer has to have access to all of the retirement plans, health insurance, and spousal support. Social security benefits cannot be divided in a divorce, but there are rules that impact your benefits if your marriage lasted longer than ten years. Older couples also have to remember to divide their retirement accounts properly. The best course of action is to divide the retirement accounts by Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), which is a separate court order that covers the division of retirement benefits properly.
Health insurance is another major issue for older couples over 50. If you are not yet 65 years old, you do not qualify for Medicare and will need to properly research health insurance options. If you are currently on your spouse’s employer’s insurance, you have the option through COBRA to remain on their insurance for up to 36 months after the divorce, but the premiums are usually more expensive than obtaining your own personal health insurance through the Affordable Health Care Act.
And lastly, divorce in your 50s can have an emotional impact on both spouses. You will need emotional support from your family, friends, and possibly a professional who can help you cope with a loss in your life. Contact Doug Dreyer with Dreyer Law to help with all of your divorce decisions. He will help lead you in the right direction for insurance and professional counseling.