How are retirement accounts divided in a divorce?
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How are retirement accounts divided in a divorce?
Retirement accounts are marital property, which means they are subject to equitable distribution. Depending upon the length of the marriage, the funds deposited in the retirement account(s) before the marriage are reserved to the individual who brought them into the marriage rather than being divisible.
Are retirement accounts protected in divorce?
Divorce is one of the times you can access your IRA or 401(k) before retirement and pay no tax. This happens if the judge assigns part of your account to your spouse in the divorce settlement. You spouse may receive some, all or none of your retirement account, depending on your situation.
Is 401k considered marital property?
Any funds contributed to the 401(k) account during the marriage are marital property and subject to division during the divorce, unless there is a valid prenuptial agreement in place. For example, if your spouse also has a retirement account worth a similar amount, you may each decide to keep your own accounts.
