Divorce Can Hinder Retirement for Women

‘Divorce gap’ can have an impact on income, as well as on retirement planning.

A study from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found that divorced women historically are better off than single, never married women, because of the assets they have accumulated before divorce, primarily home ownership. However, that can have a negative impact on retirement, according to Money in “This is The Single Best Way Divorced Women Can Secure a Successful Retirement.”

Many divorce lawyers and financial advisors say that keeping the house after divorce isn’t always the best move. Many newly-single women find they don’t have the resources to keep up with mortgage payments, maintain the property, pay taxes and deal with unexpected crises.

One advisor says she’s concerned that these new numbers will lead to women who can’t necessarily afford to maintain a home to hang on to their homes.

However, a researcher involved in the study maintains that while the study mentions homeownership, there’s a bigger point being made. Married women who divorce benefit from receiving a share of marital assets. Single, never-married women do not and must rely solely on themselves for saving and accumulating assets that can be used to finance their retirement.

A critical fact that women who are divorced must do: whatever assets they get in the divorce settlement, commit to keeping those assets intact for retirement. It’s easier to do this with a house. However, it’s tempting to dip into assets that are intended for retirement.

An estate planning attorney can advise you in creating an estate plan that meets your unique circumstances, including retirement planning.

Reference: Money (Aug. 10, 2018) “This is The Single Best Way Divorced Women Can Secure a Successful Retirement”