Ask Larry

Can We Get More By Getting Divorced?

Hi Larry - I want to make sure I understand. 2 people (husband and wife) exact same age (born 1964), both high earners over many years, 0 children, no disabilities & can afford to wait to age 70. Can these 2 people increase their earnings by divorcing at age 68 and receiving 2 social security checks instead of just 1 reduced/combined check?

You need to have been 62 by January 1, 2016 to collect just a spousal or a divorced spousal benefit starting at full retirement age. You folks are too young. You'll be deemed to be filing for your retirement benefits whenever you file for spousal benefits. This is thanks to the new law passed in November 2015.

If you can wait till age 70, that will be best unless you have relatively low maximum ages of life.

best, Larry

Posted: 
Jun 9 2016 - 12:00am
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.