RETIREMENT/DEFERRED COMPENSATION IN CALIFORNIA DIVORCE: OUR EXPERIENCED SAN DIEGO ATTORNEYS CAN HELP

Our board-certified San Diego family law attorneys are experienced in providing expert representation in all areas of family law, including division of retirement or deferred compensation benefits.

Often, one of the largest assets to be divided in a dissolution action is a retirement benefit. Generally, to the extent that the benefits were accumulated during marriage, they are divisible as a community property asset in California. This division is appropriate even if the retirement assets are not yet payable to the employed spouse.

Other Types of “Deferred Compensation” Assets Under California Divorce Law

In addition to traditional retirement plans, there are a number of other “deferred compensation” assets that are divided as community property under California law. These deferred compensation assets include profit sharing plans, 401(k) and 453b plans, TRESOPs and TSP’s earned during marriage.

Generally, traditional retirement and other deferred compensation assets can be awarded in a pro rata share to each spouse. This division can be accomplished tax-free by means of a “Domestic Relations Order”. In other words, the employed spouse will not be required to withdraw assets and pay the taxes on the withdrawal to provide the other spouse with his or her share.

Stocks options, bonuses, accumulated sick leave or vacation pay earned during marriage can also be divided by the court. However, the tax-free division may not possible. Similarly, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) standing in the name of either party are regularly divided in a dissolution judgment. When the account standing in the name of one party is larger than those titled in the name of the other party, then a tax-free transfer can be made from one IRA to the other to equalize the division.

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“I want to thank and compliment you and your firm in my recent divorce case. Having a seven-figure, privately-owned business complicates a divorce substantially, but the strategy your team developed in my case was intelligent and fair, and was executed beautifully. Throughout the entire process, I found the team helpful, knowledgeable, empathetic, thorough, and very efficient.”

Call Our Award-Winning San Diego Divorce Lawyers

The experience family law attorneys at the Law Offices of Beatrice L. Snider, APC are very familiar with the property division in California of the various types of deferred compensation assets. We can assist the client in obtaining consultants or experts in effectuating a division that avoids or limits potential tax consequences. Contact our San Diego divorce lawyers to discuss your case and legal options.