Getting a divorce typically involves many financial considerations. As spouses separate their lives, they will divide their marital property, which generally includes assets acquired during the marriage. While the division of some types of assets may be relatively straightforward, others can involve complexities. Handling these issues properly can help ensure that both spouses will have the financial resources they need in the future.

A few of the assets addressed during the divorce process are as complex or as significant as retirement savings. For many couples, retirement accounts and related benefits may represent a substantial portion of their marital property, and dividing these benefits may not always be as simple as transferring funds. Qualified Domestic Relations Orders, or QDROs, may play a critical role in the process of dividing retirement assets. These orders, when created with the assistance of a divorce attorney, can help ensure that retirement benefits will be divided fairly and in compliance with tax laws and retirement plan requirements.

Dividing Retirement Benefits During Divorce

When a couple gets a divorce, most of their marital assets will likely be subject to division, including retirement accounts such as 401(k)s, pensions, and other employer-sponsored plans or individual accounts. Because these accounts may hold significant value, determining how to divide them can be one of the most important financial steps in a divorce settlement. When dividing these assets, the steps taken must align with federal regulations that govern retirement plans.

A QDRO is a legal document that directs a retirement plan administrator to divide benefits between spouses as outlined in a divorce decree or settlement agreement. Without this order, the plan administrator may not be able to legally transfer funds from one spouse’s account to the other, even if the divorce court has ordered it.

Using a QDRO to Divide 401(k)s and Similar Accounts

A QDRO enables funds in qualified retirement plans, such as 401(k) or 403(b) accounts, to be distributed to a former spouse (who is referred to as the “alternate payee”). The QDRO will specify the amount or percentage of the funds in the account to be assigned to the alternate payee, and it will detail how and when the funds will be distributed. Once a QDRO is approved by both the court and the plan administrator, the receiving spouse may have several options:

• Transfer to Another Qualified Plan: The alternate payee can roll the funds into their own qualified retirement account, allowing the balance to continue growing tax-deferred.

• Direct Payout: The alternate payee can take a distribution directly. In these cases, taxes may apply if the funds are not rolled over into a qualified retirement account.

• Defer Receipt: In some cases, the alternate payee might choose to leave the funds in the existing account and receive payments in the future.

By properly preparing and approving a QDRO, spouses can help ensure that funds are transferred legally and efficiently while minimizing unnecessary taxes or penalties.

Avoiding Taxes and Penalties During Transfers

Retirement accounts are governed by strict tax rules, and a misstep could lead to significant financial losses. Typically, when funds are withdrawn from a tax-deferred retirement account, income taxes will likely apply, and penalties may be assessed if the funds are withdrawn before the account holder is old enough to retire. When retirement assets are divided during a divorce, a QDRO can help avoid penalties or premature taxation.

For example, if a spouse attempts to withdraw funds directly from a 401(k) and then transfer them to the other spouse, the IRS might treat the withdrawal as taxable income and impose early withdrawal penalties. However, if the transfer is performed using a valid QDRO, the distribution is generally not considered a taxable event for the account holder.

Dividing Pension Benefits Through a QDRO

Pension plans can be more complex to divide than defined-contribution accounts like 401(k)s because they provide future monthly benefits rather than a current account balance. A QDRO can be used to allocate a portion of a pension’s future payments to a former spouse.

Determining how pension benefits might be divided can sometimes be complicated. Usually, the pension holder’s spouse would be entitled to receive half of the marital portion of the pension benefits. The marital portion includes benefits earned while the couple was married. For example, if a spouse worked in a job that qualified for pension benefits for a total of 40 years, and they were married for 20 of those years, half of their pension benefits could be considered marital property. The other spouse might be entitled to half of that portion of the benefits, or 25% of the total pension payments.

When benefits begin being paid, a QDRO may specify the amount that will be paid to the alternate payee. Using the example above, the QDRO could instruct the pension plan administrator to distribute 25% of the monthly pension payments to the ex-spouse. A QDRO that is drafted correctly can help ensure that both parties understand when and how payments will be distributed in the future.

Options for Dividing Funds in an IRA

Unlike employer-sponsored retirement plans, IRAs are not divided through QDROs. Instead, a “transfer incident to divorce” may be used to divide this type of account. The divorce decree will clearly specify how the IRA is to be divided, and the transfer will be handled by the account administrator based on these instructions.

The receiving spouse may have the transferred funds placed into an IRA in their own name. If the process is carried out correctly, the transfer is not likely to be taxable. However, if the funds are withdrawn and then re-deposited instead of being transferred directly, taxes and penalties could apply.

Planning for Future Financial Stability

Retirement assets can be a key part of financial planning for both spouses after getting a divorce. Retirement savings typically represent decades of accumulated earnings and contributions. Ensuring that these assets are properly divided could help both spouses maintain financial security later in life.

By addressing retirement accounts correctly during the divorce process, couples might be able to prevent future disputes and avoid the need for costly corrections later. A QDRO prepared by a divorce attorney or a transfer incident to divorce that is executed correctly can help both parties move forward with a clearer understanding of their financial resources and retirement prospects.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. The use of a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) and related financial matters in divorce proceedings can vary depending on individual circumstances and applicable laws. It is highly recommended that individuals consult with a qualified divorce attorney or financial professional to discuss their specific situation and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and tax laws.