Divorce Can be Difficult, But There are a Few Financial Silver Linings to It

Divorce is emotionally draining and nerve-wracking and besides, it cuts a deep hole in your pocket. From paying the lawyer to losing your spouse’s earnings, divorce is very costly. You are deprived of the retirement savings and assets carefully built up over the years with hard work and the divorce proceedings inflict much emotional turmoil. It’s really difficult to recover from such issues but there are also positive sides. While that is no reason to commence divorce proceedings, some financial rewards can accrue.

Easier budgeting with better monetary control

A divorce ensures zero fights over money. Conflicts over funds allotment, budget issues, and expenditure controls will vanish overnight and divorce does bring freedom the way you always desired. If positives accrue for you, it doesn’t imply that the same benefits go to your spouse.

You access retirement funds earlier

A divorce is among those times when you can access your retirement money and ward off early withdrawal penalty. When a QDRO (qualified domestic relations order) is signed during the divorce, you can withdraw money from your retirement account earlier than usual. This withdrawal exempts the 10% fine applicable to those persons below the age of 59 but still pay income tax if your money is not held up by IRA.

Cashing out from your retirement account is risky but there are options available for those affected by divorce proceedings. You have a much better cash flow position. When divorce proceedings are amicable, people divide the retirement fund balance in the absence of a QDRO. But that may be a costly mistake for you. Before making up your mind, consult both your attorney and financial planning advisor.

Kids, too, benefit financially

Divorce can affect a kid’s mind and makes life very difficult for them. But, a divorce can enable starting much-needed college financial aid. These applications require only basic financial detail of the parent maintaining custody of their child. But child support and alimony delivered by the parent who does not have custody, has to be declared on the FAFSA.

Social security benefits for aged divorcees

As a divorced individual, you may file for Social Security spousal benefits at the time of retirement but can lay hands on benefits if married for a minimum period of 10 years. Young people are not entitled to the funds and older divorcees could secure half of their former spouse’s financial benefits while delaying their own and permitting funds to accumulate till they reach 70. For married people, this can be only implemented if the individual’s spouse was the one who initiated their own benefits. But wait, these rules don’t apply to all divorcees. After finally securing a divorce, you are not obliged to wait around until your ex can access social security benefits independently.

Sunny side up

A divorce doesn’t imply that you lose your money. A divorced person can re-structure the assets and wealth with lower income but with smarter use of available resources. A divorce may not improve everyone’s financial condition, but many do derive benefits. Though quite surprising for some, the reality remains the same with some positive aspects of a divorce, especially from the financial angle. But it’s something not to be rushed into.