Last week, I offered some tips on how to help married clients maximize their social security benefits. You probably have several divorced clients, too, who look to you for similar guidance.

No doubt, divorce complicates the rules for claiming. The process of helping a divorced client claim social security, however, remains the same as with all other clients: the financial advisor's role is all about providing education and guidance.

The surviving spouse and minor children of a fully insured worker are entitled to certain benefits. Helping clients claim survivor benefits, however, is not always a straightforward process, especially considering that it's becoming more common for both spouses to have social security work records. I find that a great way to evaluate the many available strategies is to think through an example, so I created this mini case study.

When trying to identify ways to help maximize social security benefits for married couples, it's necessary to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the various claiming strategies available to them. Just as important, though, is seeing the forest for the trees, so you understand how social security benefits fit into the overall retirement income plan.

One of the most critical questions in the retirement income planning process is, "When should clients claim social security?" There is, of course, no one perfect answer for everyone. You and your clients must evaluate the most appropriate timing for their unique financial situation.