Retirement Divorce Specialist
Pensions, retirement accounts, real estate — Arizona's 50/50 split requires expertise. This guide shows you what to protect.
Leanne Ozaine, CDFA® & CFP® | Specializing in gray divorce for 50+
Turn Panic Into Power — $97If you're over 50 and facing divorce in Arizona, you're navigating one of America's most popular retirement destinations with unique financial considerations. Your divorce likely isn't about custody battles—your children are grown, independent, or building careers elsewhere. Instead, your divorce centers on dividing decades of accumulated wealth in a community property state that attracts retirees from across the nation.
Here's what makes Arizona unique for gray divorce: Arizona is one of only nine community property states, meaning assets acquired during marriage are automatically split 50/50. Arizona also offers major tax advantages for retirees: NO state tax on Social Security benefits, low overall tax rates (2.5-4.5%), and affordable living compared to California or coastal states. Many 50+ couples relocated to Arizona specifically for retirement—now divorce disrupts those plans.
If you've never personally managed the household finances—perhaps your spouse handled retirement accounts, Arizona real estate, snowbird property management, or investments while you focused on family and enjoying the desert lifestyle—you're now facing critical questions about your financial future in one of America's fastest-growing retirement regions.
You spent 40 years building retirement savings. Now you're dividing them in 6 months — at an age when there's no second chance.
If you're 65 and give up $200,000 in pension benefits you were entitled to, you're not going to make that back. There's no overtime at this stage. No side hustle. No waiting 15 years for the market to recover.
Arizona's community property law means 50/50 — but that doesn't mean equal outcomes. A house isn't the same as a retirement account. Which half you take determines whether you can actually retire.
Your pension has survivor benefit options. Your Social Security has spousal and ex-spousal claiming strategies. Your home has a cost basis that affects capital gains. Every asset has rules — and getting them wrong costs more than you can afford.
You need someone who can project exactly what you'll live on for the next 25 years — before you sign anything you can't take back.
The 5-step system that shows you what you'll actually live on, so you stop guessing and start knowing.
Calculate your real post-divorce income — including spousal support, assets, and earning potential — so you negotiate from facts, not fear.
Document gathering checklists tell you exactly what to bring to your attorney — so you walk in prepared, not panicked.
Map out your real expenses as a single person — before you fight for something you can't actually maintain.
The asset identification system helps you find accounts and property you might not even know exist.
22-page guide + video tutorials + checklists + templates
$97
Instant access. 100% money-back guarantee.
Get the Clarity You Need — $97Arizona combines clear 50/50 community property division with tax advantages perfect for retirees.
This creates unique benefits:
For gray divorce: Arizona's combination of community property clarity and retirement-friendly taxes makes it ideal for 50+ clients planning retirement security.
Arizona is one of only nine community property states. This creates clear, predictable divorce outcomes.
In Arizona, all property acquired during marriage is community property and divided 50/50 upon divorce. This is different from most states' "equitable distribution" (fair but not necessarily equal).
Community property (divided 50/50):
Separate property (not divided):
The commingling trap: In long marriages (20-40 years), separate property often becomes community property through commingling. For example, inherited money deposited into joint accounts likely became community property.
Arizona does NOT tax Social Security benefits—a huge advantage for 50+ retirees:
This tax advantage is critical when planning post-divorce retirement income.
Many Arizona residents are "snowbirds" or own second homes:
Common scenarios:
Divorce complications: If you're divorcing in Arizona but own property in another state, which state's laws apply? Generally, Arizona law governs the divorce, but property in other states may require separate proceedings.
Community property rule: Real estate purchased during marriage (even out-of-state second homes) is community property if bought with marital funds.
Arizona real estate—especially Scottsdale and Phoenix metro—has appreciated dramatically:
Typical appreciation:
Division rules: If purchased during marriage with marital funds, home is 100% community property and equity divided 50/50.
For 50+ divorcing Arizonans, retirement accounts are often the most valuable assets:
Common retirement assets:
Division requires: Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) for private plans or court order for government pensions.
Tax advantage: When you withdraw from divided retirement accounts, Arizona's low income tax (2.5-4.5%) means more money in your pocket vs. high-tax states.
If you were married for 10+ years, you can claim Social Security benefits based on your ex-spouse's earnings record (up to 50% of their benefit) without affecting their benefits. This is especially valuable if you didn't work outside the home or had lower earnings.
Arizona advantage: Social Security benefits are NOT taxed by Arizona—unlike California, New York, and many other states!
Arizona courts award spousal maintenance based on statutory factors:
Factors courts consider:
For gray divorce: After 20-40 year marriages, Arizona courts may award maintenance for significant duration, especially if one spouse didn't work outside the home.
While our primary focus is gray divorce (50+ with grown children), some clients have high school or college-age children. Arizona uses income-based guidelines for child support. However, for most 50+ clients, children are financially independent, and divorce planning centers entirely on asset division and retirement security.
Community property clarity: Clear 50/50 rule eliminates uncertainty.
Retirement-friendly taxes: No tax on Social Security, low income tax rates.
Affordable desert living: Much lower cost than California or coastal states.
Retirement destination: Many 50+ couples relocated to Arizona specifically for retirement—now divorce changes those plans.
We provide virtual divorce financial planning services throughout Arizona. Explore detailed guidance for these major metro areas:
Luxury desert living, golf communities, high-net-worth retirees, resort-style properties, country clubs.
Learn more →Largest metro area, affordable retirement communities, Sun City, diverse housing options, healthcare access.
Learn more →Affordable Southern Arizona, University of Arizona employees, lower cost of living, scenic desert landscapes.
Learn more →Red rock luxury, high-end tourism, vacation properties, arts community, premium real estate values.
Learn more →Arizona's combination of community property clarity and retirement-friendly taxes creates unique opportunities. Whether you've managed finances for decades or you're learning about community property for the first time, we provide the education and guidance you need.
Turn Panic Into Power — $97 Schedule a Strategy Session