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How Retirement Plans Are Divided In A Divorce

Along with their house, retirement plans can be some of the largest assets that a couple must divide during their divorce. The topic of how retirement plans are divided is a complex one, with different requirements and strategies employed depending on whether both spouses have a plan of their own, what type of plans they have and how much money they placed in their plan during the marriage.

Determining how to divide retirement plans can involve a number of professionals, including third-party plan administrators and pension experts. At Ruben Family Law Resolution Services, our mediator, Stephen B. Ruben, has extensive experience in asset division during a divorce as well as many other family law matters. He can advise you on the best ways to divide and settle your division of retirement plan disputes.

What Part Of My Retirement Plan Is Community Property?

The simplest answer to this question is that in a community property state such as California, money placed in the retirement plan prior to your marriage is considered separate property, and any funds placed there during the marriage are community property. However, the process of calculating the value of premarriage contributions and the future value of an existing pension can be quite involved. Ruben Family Law Resolution Services can help you obtain accurate figures for these property categories, so your interests are well understood during the mediation process.

Steps To Take To Divide Your Retirement Plan

Identify the type of retirement plans you and your spouse have, and who the named beneficiaries are.
Ruben Family Law Resolution Services if the retirement plan will need to be “joined” to the divorce proceedings through a special court order known as a qualified domestic relations order.
If you are an officer in the armed forces, ask about additional steps you may need to take to divide your military pension.
If both you and your spouse have plans of approximately equal worth, consider agreeing to give up your share in each other’s retirement plan or to give up your share in their plan in exchange for receiving other community property assets.

Contact Us To Receive Asset Division Mediation Assistance

Simplify the details of your divorce by having our firm mediate your disputes. Contact us by calling 415-399-6830 or by using our convenient online form.