What is Full Retirement Age? - New Online Calculator.

Pursuant to the Alimony Reform Act of 2011, there is a presumption that general term alimony ends upon the payor attaining Full Retirement Age, when he or she is eligible for the old-age retirement benefit under the United States Old-Age, Disability, and Survivors Insurance Act, 42 U.S.C. 416. The presumption can be rebutted but it requires clear and convincing evidence.

The Social Security Full Retirement Age may be different than your actual retirement date. Kelsey & Trask, P.C. has created an online calculator to help you determine your Full Retirement Age and retirement date by simply entering your birth date. Click here to try the Calculator.

The Calculator is based on the information available below which is taken directly from the Social Security website:

If you were born in 1944 or earlier, you are already eligible for your full Social Security benefit. If you were born from 1943 to 1960, the age at which full retirement benefits are payable increases gradually to age 67. The following chart lists the full retirement age by year of birth.
Age to receive full Social Security benefits:
Year of birth	Full retirement age
1943-1954	66
1955	66 and 2 months
1956	66 and 4 months
1957	66 and 6 months
1958	66 and 8 months
1959	66 and 10 months
1960 and later	67
Note: People who were born on January 1 of any year should refer to the previous year

Upcoming Seminars and Workshops: Social Security, Estate Planning, and Divorce

The friends of Kelsey & Trask, P.C. are offering some great upcoming seminars and workshops to help members of the public understand their options better when it comes to legal issues. From time to time we will try to let you know about these opportunities. Here are three that we recommend in November:


Social Security and Retirement Planning: Social Security Workshop at Council on Aging

Concord, MA - Senes & Chwalek Financial Advisors is pleased to present Kurt Czarnowski, former New England Regional Communications Director for the Social Security Administration, who will present “Social Security and Retirement Planning” at the Concord Council on Aging on Monday, November 28, 2011 at 6:30 pm.

Social Security's retirement program has been a basic part of American life for more than 76 years. Because we're living longer, healthier lives, we can expect to spend more time in retirement than our parents and grandparents did, and achieving a secure, comfortable retirement is much easier when you plan for your future.

But, despite the age, the size, and the economic impact of the Social Security system, the myths and misunderstandings about what the program is, as well as what it isn’t, are sizable. Social Security benefits were never intended to be someone’s sole source of income. Instead, they should be seen as the foundation on which to build a secure retirement.

Mr. Czarnowski worked for the SSA from 1976 until his retirement in 2010. As Regional Communications Director, Czarnowski was responsible for coordinating the Social Security Administration’s public affairs/public information activities in the six New England states. In this role, he was a frequent speaker at local and regional events for members of the public, and in 2010, he was the featured presenter on “Social Security: Your Retirement Planning Questions Answered,” the Social Security Administration’s national webinar for financial service professionals. He will provide an overview of the Social Security program and will help attendees better understand the important role it plays in achieving their retirement dreams.

Senes & Chwalek Financial Advisors is located at 57 Main Street, Concord. Renee W. Senes and David Chwalek are registered representatives of Investors Capital Corporation, Member FINRA/SIPC. For more information, please contact them at 978-369-2255.


Peace of Mind Planning for Parents Workshop

Hingham, MA - By popular request, Attorney Danielle G. Van Ess, will be repeating her Peace of Mind Planning for Parents workshop in just a few short weeks on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 from 7:30-9pm in Hingham.

If you missed the last one, here's your opportunity to attend. If you have friends who might be interested, please share this with them through email, Facebook, or however you reach them!

Registration is required, attendance is limited, and where applicable, both spouses are strongly encouraged to attend together. So line up your babysitters now and write down some questions you want to ask her.

You can learn more details about the workshop and register online here: http://peaceofmindforparents.eventbrite.com.


Divorce in Massachusetts: A 4-Part Weekly Public Education & Discussion Seminar Series

Needham Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Cardiology Conference Room - 148 Chestnut Street, Needham, MA 02492

Nov. 8, 2011 – Dec. 6, 2011; Tuesdays from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.

FREE – ($20 per session suggested donation)

Who is the Seminar for?

This 4-Part Seminar Series is intended for people contemplating or going through a separation or divorce. Our members, including attorneys, therapists, mediators, and financial experts will provide you with valuable information about the divorce process in Massachusetts. There is the opportunity for Questions and Answers after each session.

What will you Learn?

Session I – The Divorce Process - Tuesday, November 8, 2011 7-9PM

- Where and how to begin:
- What needs to be filed and where?
- What is Mediation?
- What is Collaborative Law?
- How do I find the right professionals?

Session II – Finances, Assets & Alimony - Tuesday, November 15, 2011 7-9PM

- What is marital property:
- What is an equitable division?
- How do taxes affect the process?
- Will my House be sold?
- What is a QDRO?
- What is alimony?

Session III – Children & Divorce - Tuesday, November 29, 2011 7-9PM

- How much will child support be?
- How long will child support be paid?
- What is a Guardian Ad Litem?
- How do I create a parenting plan?
- What does custody mean in court?
- How do I minimize the trauma on children?

Session IV – After Divorce - Tuesday, December 6, 2011 7-9PM

- How do I get through the Divorce?
- What are some coping strategies?
- Can a divorce judgment be modified?
- How do I enforce the judgment?

REGISTER ONLINE

What happens to Social Security payments in a Divorce?

A Divorce actually has very little effect on your rights in your spouse's/ex-spouse's Social Security benefits.

So long as the marriage lasted ten years, a spouse who has not worked or who has low earnings can be entitled to as much as one-half of the retired worker’s full benefit.

If you are eligible for both your own retirement benefits and for benefits as a spouse/ex-spouse, Social Security always pays your own benefits first. If your share of your spouse's/ex-spouse's benefits are higher than your retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit.

The amount of your spouses/ex-spouses benefit that you receive has no effect on the amount of benefits that they receive.

To see a more complete explanation visit this helpful Social Security website.