Divorce often has a negative financial impact on both ex-spouses. In some situations a divorce might force a person to start his or her retirement benefit as early as possible which can greatly limit options and opportunities to maximize benefits. But, divorce can also result in the ability to use strategies that aren’t available for married couples. In some ways divorced spouses have even greater rights to Social Security benefits than do spouse who are currently married.

Watching this lesson’s four-minute video could be especially important if you are divorced or know someone who is.