Q&A

Can you divorce someone with a disability?

Can you divorce someone with a disability?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) will not be affected by a divorce, but keep in mind that these benefits can be accessed for spousal maintenance or child support payments.

Can you keep a disabled spouse in a divorce?

As a part of your divorce agreement, you may be able to keep a spouse on an employer-sponsored healthcare plan. It should be no surprise that divorcing a spouse with a disability is likely to entail a greater degree of planning than may otherwise be necessary.

What should you do before asking your spouse for a divorce?

It might seem heartless, but if you plan to ask your spouse for a divorce, or if you think your spouse might want one from you, there are some matters you should take care of first. Attend to these issues before you or your partner decide to call it quits, and you’ll be ahead of the game during legal negotiations.

How does a parent’s disability affect a divorce?

One parent’s disabilities won’t affect custody, unless that parent’s ability to meet a child’s needs is impaired. Some factors a court will consider when deciding custody include: the child’s connection to the community, siblings, and extended family.

How old do you have to be to get disability benefits after a divorce?

The surviving ex-spouse must be at least 50 and married at least 10 years to the deceased ex-spouse. Remarriage after the age of 50 or termination of an earlier marriage will not affect eligibility for this benefit.

What to consider when divorcing a disabled spouse?

Now this already emotionally tumultuous time is filled with extra responsibilities and concerns that must be addressed before your divorce can be finalized. If your spouse has a disability, you will need to contemplate whether they have the long-term capacity to support themselves without your assistance.

How old do you have to be to get disability after a divorce?

If your ex-spouse dies, you may still be eligible for disability benefits if he or she was fully insured for Social Security benefits and you meet the following requirements: you were married to your ex-spouse for at least ten years. you are at least 60 years old, or at least 50 years old and disabled.

How does a divorce affect my disability payments?

How a divorce affects your disability payments depends on whether you were receiving disability benefits on your spouse’s earnings record (dependent benefits), on your own Social Security work record, or through the SSI program.

Who is eligible for survivor benefits after a divorce?

If their former spouse is deceased, divorced spouses may be eligible for survivor benefits, which have their own set of rules.