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<\/a>It depends.\u00a0 The simple litmus test is the 10-year rule: if the marriage lasted for more than 10 years, then yes, a lower-earning spouse can collect benefits based on the higher-earning spouse\u2019s record.<\/p>\nIf the marriage did not last 10 years, then no, the Social Security Administration will not pay benefits to one spouse on the record of another.\u00a0 If this is an issue, mediation can help spouses find and draw up alternative spousal support agreements that work for both parties.<\/p>\n
Divorcing couples nearing or at retirement age should proceed carefully.\u00a0 There are some rules about when divorced spouses can apply for benefits based on the record of a higher-earning spouse.\u00a0 In addition, there are some complications if one spouse would like to retire early.<\/p>\n
For more information on the issue of divorce<\/a> and Social Security benefits, go to http:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/retire2\/divspouse.htm.<\/p>\n It depends.\u00a0 The simple litmus test is the 10-year rule: if the marriage lasted for more than 10 years, then yes, a lower-earning spouse can collect benefits based on the higher-earning spouse\u2019s record. If the marriage did not last 10…<\/span><\/p>\nGerald A. Maggio is an experienced Orange County divorce and family law lawyer<\/a> and family <\/a>(more…)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"