While some people in Georgia who are over the age of 50 may make the decision to stay in an unsatisfying or unhappy marriage, for others, that is not an option. Even when it is the best choice, AARP points out that when older adults decide to end a marriage, the division of property at that stage of life can have serious financial consequences.
A person who was not the primary breadwinner during the relationship may be particularly concerned about how a divorce will affect finances. There may not be time to acquire an education or skill and become self-sufficient. But, alimony payments may not be sufficient to provide the standard of living that had been enjoyed before the divorce. Acquiring new living situations may also be a challenge for those who had shared the family home with a spouse, as well. Seniors who are unable to afford their own home may have to consider living with a child or taking on a roommate.
The Social Security Administration states that it still may be possible to collect Social Security benefits based on his or her ex-spouse’s work history, if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. Unlike when they are ordered to pay alimony, people are not affected financially by having an ex-spouse receive benefits based on their earnings record, and neither are a new spouse’s benefits affected. This benefit is only available for ex-spouses who are not eligible to receive the same or a higher amount, and who are both unmarried and over the age of 61.
