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  5. Important issues when dividing retirement accounts during divorce

Important issues when dividing retirement accounts during divorce

On Behalf of Ed Shaw Law | Aug 7, 2018 | Divorce |

Divorce among people over 50 has been trending upward since the 1990s. Older individuals in Minnesota likely have multiple retirement plans to split when they end their marriages. They could have one or more 401(k) plans and pensions from jobs over the years as well as Individual Retirement Accounts.

An owner of a financial services company confirmed that most retirement assets qualify as marital assets. This sometimes upsets people who had not realized that they would have to give a portion to an ex-spouse in a divorce settlement.

After people have made decisions about who gets how much, a special court order called a Qualified Domestic Relations Order will be needed for each pension or 401(k) plan. This order will direct plan administrators to distribute funds. Unless recipients roll their money directly into qualifying retirement savings plans, they could owe income taxes plus a 10 percent penalty if they are under a certain age. During negotiations about the division of a 401(k) plan, divorcing spouses should check to see if loans have been taken out of the plan.

Older individuals might also own life annuities, which could lose significant value if cashed out early. To preserve value, people will need to examine the annuity contract closely and consider trading assets to avoid cashing it out prematurely.

A divorcing individual, especially someone with a high income, may want legal representation when making decisions about a settlement. Information from an attorney might help someone understand how the divorce could influence Social Security benefits or an estate plan. An attorney may work to keep their client informed about rights to certain assets during settlement negotiations. If litigation becomes necessary, an attorney may be able to organize documentation to support the person’s position in court.

Will I lose everything in Chapter 7 bankruptcy? 

On Behalf of Ed Shaw Law | Jun 5, 2025 | Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 bankruptcy helps erase debts when you cannot pay them and give you a fresh financial start. However, many people think of bankruptcy as losing everything. Fortunately, Minnesota laws protect essential assets.  Confidence comes from knowing your rights—learn...

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What is the difference between legal and physical custody?

On Behalf of Ed Shaw Law | Apr 23, 2025 | Family Law

If you're going through a custody issue in Minnesota, it's important to understand the difference between legal and physical custody. These terms may sound similar, but they each play a different role in your child's life. Understanding legal custody Legal custody...

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JAIL PHONES

by Edward Shaw | Apr 4, 2025 | Criminal Defense

Many of you have seen movies involving phone calls from a jail or prison, maybe some of you have gotten calls from a jail or prison.  If you have, you may be familiar with the message that often plays 'This call is from a correctional institution and may be...

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EXPERT WITNESSES

On Behalf of Ed Shaw Law | Mar 27, 2025 | Firm News

Most people outside of the legal system have never heard of expert witnesses, a critical part of the legal system.  Unlike regular witnesses, who can testify about what they observed or heard, experts can offer opinions.  Experts are used to explain a variety of...

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Contracts for Deed

by Edward Shaw | Mar 12, 2025 | Business Law

They are an alternative method of financing the purchase and sale of property.  Instead of the buyer getting a bank loan, payments are made to the seller.  The arrangement has its advantages, by taking payments over time a seller can in some cases save on taxes. ...

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WHEN DO YOUR RIGHTS HAVE TO BE READ TO YOU

by Edward Shaw | Jan 31, 2025 | General Law

I have written on this topic before, but, because it is a source of a lot of misunderstanding among the general public, it needs more attention. Police shows for decades have shown people being arrested and read the Miranda warning, 'their rights', you have the right...

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When can you sue someone for something they say?

by Edward Shaw | Jan 24, 2025 | Civil Law, General Law

Free speech is a cornerstone of our society, for good reasons.  A democracy depends on people being able to express their opinions about anybody, and anything.  Even the richest and most powerful in society can be criticized by any citizen in a free society. Like all...

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MONEY AND DIVORCE

On Behalf of Ed Shaw Law | Jan 13, 2025 | Firm News

When divorces are tough there are usually issues with money.  The rules on dividing assets, money, real estate, vehicles, anything of value, are simple, it is generally divided equally, regardless of who earned it, or whose name is on it.  The exception is...

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Tips for co-parents to keep the holiday season peaceful and joyous

On Behalf of Ed Shaw Law | Dec 6, 2024 | Custody

Co-parenting presents challenges throughout the year, but the holiday season can amplify these difficulties, even for those who maintain a cordial relationship with their former spouse. From Thanksgiving through the end of the year, the added stress of coordinating...

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Home For The Holidays

by Edward Shaw | Nov 27, 2024 | Firm News

It happens every year in the family court business, separated parents fighting over where the kids will be for the holidays.  The holiday season has its challenges to begin with, the stress or organizing get togethers, figuring out where people will be, traveling with...

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