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10 is the Magic Number


When you have been married for 10 years or longer, that marriage is considered a long-term marriage. There are many benefits that can be gained by hitting this magically number. Google your state family court laws in order to determine what you are entitled to collect or keep.

Some states such as California grant the lesser earning spouse alimony for as long as you need it.


In Divorce 10 is the Magic Number

If you are a military spouse and have been married to an Active Duty member for 10 years of their tour, you are entitled to a portion of their retirement pay.

At age 62 years old, you are entitled to SSN benefits based on your ex-spouse’s contribution.

o You must be divorced for at least two years. You are entitled to these benefits regardless of whether your ex-spouse claims benefits.

o Benefits are based on your ex-spouse’s total contributions, not just those made during your marriage

o If you were married and divorced twice and both marriages lasted more than ten years, you can claim benefits through the ex-spouse with the larger SSN contributions


Warning: There are some rules that you should be aware of that could cost you some of these benefits. For example, if you remarry before you reach the age of 60 and stay married to your second spouse, you cannot claim benefits based on your first spouse’s account

o So delay remarrying until turning 60.

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