When a couple files for marital dissolution in Minnesota, they typically become quite well-versed in the financial implications of this decision through the assistance of their attorneys. Property, debt and asset division, as well as spousal support, may all play a role in the financial future of the ex-spouses-to-be.

However, sometimes after a couple has been divorced for many years, one or both spouses forget about some of their financial obligations and rights that resulted from the split. Such is sometimes the case when one becomes eligible for Social Security after retirement. People often do not recall or know that they can collect Social Security benefits based on their own earnings history as well as that of their former spouse, in some cases. Often, an ex-spouse is entitled to a larger monthly Social Security benefit than what they are collecting, and they do not even know it.

You may qualify for 50 percent or more of your former spouse's benefits if you meet the following criteria:

• The marriage must have lasted 10 years or longer.

• You are at least 62-years-old and either unmarried or you remarried after age 60.

• The person seeking the ex-spouse's benefit must be the party with the lower benefit.

• You have been divorced for two years or more and your former spouse is not collecting benefits.

• You are over age 60 and your former spouse is deceased.

A Minnesota family law attorney can help you understand which of your ex-spouse's retirement benefits you might be eligible for and how to obtain them.

Source: Wall Street Journal, "Boosting Mom's Social Security Payments," Ellen E. Schultz, Jan. 17, 2012