PENSION, 401(K) & IRA DIVISION ATTORNEY IN DALLAS, TEXAS
The equity earned on retirement benefits over the course of your marriage is considered community property and must be settled during a divorce, regardless of the age of spouses or length of the marriage. Certain matters related to pensions, 401(k)s, IRAs, and other benefits can add complexity to how these are divided, and it is in both party’s best interests to involve an experienced divorce lawyer.
At The Linder Firm, we provide knowledgeable advice and skilled guidance to clients for all aspects of property division during divorce, including retirement benefits. Our legal staff can thoroughly assess the value of all retirement assets that fall under community property, including:
401(k)s
Deferred pension plans
IRAs
Stock options
Military pensions and veteran’s educational benefits
State and county pension plans
Federal and civil service retirement benefits
Typically in Texas, these accounts are split 50-50. However, this can vary due to court order based on earning capacities, custody of children, separate property, or other factors. Also, separate arrangements can be agreed upon by both parties, and the courts will honor that in the final decree.
Protecting Your Financial And Tax Interests
When dividing 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions, and other retirement accounts during a divorce, it is important to address potential tax implications. A qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) is one way to protect your financial and tax interests. Through a QDRO, one spouse can transfer a share of his or her retirement funds to the other spouse. QDROs are required for retirement plans that are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
Attorney Phillip Linder can work with you to determine if a QDRO is required in your situation, and help to prepare the necessary documentation to comply with ERISA guidelines, and send it to the plan administrator for approval. If a QDRO is not necessary or applicable to your situation, Mr. Linder will work with you to find the retirement division solutions that provide you with the greatest possible advantage.
Contact Us To Discuss Your Case
Call The Linder Firm in Dallas or in Allen to discuss retirement account division during your divorce. If you prefer, you can send an email and tell us about your situation.