Gray Divorce Financial Specialist
Port pensions, military retirement, real estate — Georgia's equitable distribution requires expertise. This guide shows you exactly what you're entitled to.
Leanne Ozaine, CDFA® & CFP® | Specializing in gray divorce for 50+
Turn Panic Into Power — $97If you're over 50 and facing divorce in Savannah or coastal Georgia, you're dealing with financial complexity unique to this region. Child custody battles typically aren't your main concern—your children are grown, in college, or launching their own careers. Instead, your divorce centers entirely on dividing decades of accumulated wealth.
Savannah's economy brings unique asset challenges: Port of Savannah pensions, military retirement from Hunter Army Airfield and Fort Stewart, historic district real estate, and tourism-related business interests. Questions like:
Here's what nobody tells you: A "fair" settlement can still leave you struggling.
50/50 sounds equal. But if you take the house and your spouse takes the 401(k), only one of you has retirement income. A pension isn't cash. Tax treatment turns "half" into 40% or 60% depending on which half you take.
Your lawyer knows the law. They don't know what you'll live on for the next 30 years.
Most people sign their settlement while still in emotional shock. The brain is in survival mode — the prefrontal cortex that makes rational decisions is literally offline. By the time the fog lifts, the settlement is final.
You need someone whose only job is protecting your financial future — not billable hours, not legal posturing. Someone who can show you exactly what different settlement scenarios mean for your life 5, 10, 25 years from now.
When you can't trust anyone else in this process, you can trust me.
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 a historic district property you can't actually maintain.
The asset identification system helps you find military retirement, port pensions, and accounts 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 — $97Q: How is military retirement divided in Georgia divorces?
Coastal Georgia has significant military presence at Hunter Army Airfield and Fort Stewart. Under federal law (USFSPA) and Georgia's equitable distribution, military retirement earned during marriage is divisible. For 20+ year military careers, this can represent $2,000-$4,000+ monthly in retirement benefits. Proper division requires understanding the "10/10 rule" for direct payments and survivor benefit elections that protect your share if your ex-spouse passes first.
Q: Can I afford to keep our historic district home after divorce at 60+?
Savannah's historic district properties range $500K-$2M+. Under Georgia equitable distribution, dividing a $1M historic home means each spouse receives approximately $500K equity. However, keeping the home solo requires covering property taxes ($8K-$15K), maintenance on historic structures ($15K-$25K+), insurance ($5K-$8K), utilities ($4K+) = $32K-$52K+/year minimum. At 60+ on retirement income, affording historic district costs requires substantial ongoing income or assets beyond home equity.
Q: What about Port of Savannah pensions and benefits?
The Georgia Ports Authority employs thousands in Savannah with significant pension and retirement benefits. Under Georgia equitable distribution, pension benefits earned during marriage are marital property. For 25+ year port careers, pension values can exceed $500K-$1M+ in present value. Proper valuation requires actuarial analysis, and division via QDRO ensures both spouses receive their fair share of these substantial benefits.
Q: Should I stay in Savannah or relocate after divorce for lower costs?
Savannah offers unique value: historic charm, coastal access, cultural amenities, lower costs than Atlanta. However, historic district living has premium costs. At 60+ on retirement income, many consider surrounding areas (Richmond Hill, Pooler: 30-40% lower housing costs) or relocating entirely. Georgia's flat 5.49% income tax is moderate, and coastal Georgia offers quality of life at reasonable cost outside the historic district. Your settlement should reflect realistic living costs for your chosen location.
Savannah's proximity to Hunter Army Airfield and Fort Stewart means many families have significant military retirement benefits to divide. Understanding USFSPA (Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act), the "10/10 rule" for direct payments, and survivor benefit plan (SBP) elections is critical.
Key considerations:
Savannah's historic district features unique properties with values from $500K to $2M+. These homes often require specialized maintenance, have historic preservation restrictions, and carry premium insurance costs.
Questions for gray divorce:
The Port of Savannah is one of the busiest ports in the nation, and many long-term employees have substantial pension benefits through the Georgia Ports Authority or related maritime industries.
Division considerations:
Georgia is an equitable distribution state, meaning assets are divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Courts consider factors including length of marriage, each spouse's contributions, earning capacity, and financial circumstances.
For gray divorce (50+):
Your lawyer handles the law. Your therapist handles emotions. But who's handling whether you can actually live on what you're agreeing to?
Turn Panic Into Power — $97 Schedule a Strategy Session