You’ve wanted to get a divorce for a while, but you’re not sure if you want to talk to your spouse about it yet. It’s a major step, and once you say you want a divorce, things won’t be the same again.
While some people can discuss the possibility of divorce, grow stronger through it and end up saving their marriages, many find that once they state that they want a divorce, the end is coming. If you’re preparing to end your marriage, keep in mind that there is a benefit to staying married at least ten years if you can.
What are the benefits of staying married for a decade?
If you stay married for a decade, you have a higher chance of obtaining alimony if you are the lesser-earning spouse. Ten-year marriages are also considered to be long-term marriages by the Social Security Administration. That means that you will be eligible to receive Social Security benefits based on your ex-spouse’s earnings when you reach the appropriate retirement age. The catch is that you may not be married when you apply for your share of those benefits. If you are, you will no longer be eligible to receive them.
If you are eligible, you’ll receive benefits equal to half the amount your spouse is eligible to collect. That is an important piece of information, because if you are close to being married for 10 years, it’s a good idea to stick it out and wait until the 10-year mark. If you do, then you will have many other benefits from doing so than if you divorce at 9.5 years, for example.
Divorces can be complicated, but with a little planning, you can make sure your financial future is bright and stable. If you’re close to a 10-year marriage, consider waiting it out just a little longer.
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