Gray Divorce: Two Ways Women in Transition Can Survive and Thrive Financially
Summary
Two ways senior women navigating divorce can survive and thrive financially.
Al and Tipper Gore put so-called gray divorce in the headlines with their announcement, in 2010, that they would dissolve their 40-year marriage. The rate of divorce later in life — sometimes referred to as a “silver split” — has been doubling since the 1990s. The 2019 split between Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and writer-philanthropist MacKenzie Scott was another high-profile example of this trend among those married for 20 years or more, despite the decrease in America’s overall divorce rate.
Divorce for couples later in life can be financially devastating, especially for women whose former husbands earned more and made most of the financial decisions (an arrangement more common among older Americans than younger ones). As Wealth Advisors, we frequently help women who feel scared and helpless while grieving the loss of a union that defined their lives for several decades. It’s important to keep in mind that they aren’t facing this challenge alone; they have ample financial and legal resources. Once they understand what resources are available to support them in their new life phase, it can be easier to make wise decisions. Therefore, women anticipating the dissolution of their marriage later in life should consider the following two crucial steps.
Step 1: Understand How Your Assets Are Allocated
Because it’s common for the income of a woman over 50 to suffer sharply following divorce, it is important to review her former spouse’s income as well as deferred-compensation packages, stock options, ownership stakes, bonuses, and pension plans. In alimony states, these factors should also be considered when calculating compensation levels — not just base salary.
In community property states, it is crucial to establish and document premarital assets. Inheritances should be carefully considered, as commingled assets can play a part in determining how much of the inheritance is separate property.
Step 2: Consider Your Tax Situation
On January 1, 2019, new tax laws went into effect, presenting key implications for those living in alimony states. For decades, alimony payments were tax-deductible for the payer and nontaxable income for the payee. The 2019 law eliminated the tax deduction for the payer and classified alimony as taxable income for the recipient.
Given these changes, in certain situations, it could make sense to structure spousal support in some way other than as alimony payments, such as an alimony “buyout” or another method of property division. Of course, every alternative has both advantages and disadvantages, making it even more important to have sound financial, tax, and legal advice.
If you are facing a divorce later in life, you probably have a lot of questions. As qualified professional advisors specializing in serving women as they navigate, we can help you connect with resources you need now.
Mercer Advisors Inc. is the parent company of Mercer Global Advisors Inc. and is not involved with investment services. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. (“Mercer Advisors”) is registered as an investment advisor with the SEC. The firm only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author as of the date of publication and are subject to change. The information is believed to be accurate, but is not guaranteed or warranted by Mercer Advisors. Content, research, tools, and stock or option symbols are for educational and illustrative purposes only and do not imply a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell a particular security or to engage in any particular investment strategy. For financial planning advice specific to your circumstances, talk to a qualified professional at Mercer Advisors.
