“Gray divorces” among Americans over 50 now make up 36% of all divorces in the U.S., impacting retirement planning and financial stability (1). Older couples like Betsy Goldstein face challenges dividing assets and rebuilding their financial future after divorce (2). Certified divorce financial analysts are on the rise to help navigate the financial complexities of gray divorces (3, 4).

Research shows women’s standard of living drops by about 45% after a “gray divorce,” while men see a 21% decline, impacting long-term financial security (5). Dividing retirement accounts and pensions can have lasting tax and income consequences, especially for lower earners (6). Planning for Social Security benefits and housing decisions are crucial steps in post-divorce financial planning (7, 8).

Claiming Social Security benefits based on an ex-spouse’s earnings can provide important financial support in retirement for gray-divorced individuals (9, 10). Building financial independence, budgeting for retirement, and working with a savvy financial planner are key to navigating the financial aftermath of a gray divorce (11).

Read more at Yahoo Finance: ‘Gray divorce’ is up 40% as more couples over 50 split, leaving many without a safety net. Here’s how to stay protected