Everyone is always so kind from Casie and Christina at intake, to the paralegals and attorneys. They promptly answer all questions.
During a divorce, you’re expected to divide your marital assets with your spouse. In North Carolina, this must be done in an equitable way, which does not always mean it’s an equal 50/50 division. Retirement accounts are included in this type of division and can be a point of concern for many spouses. You have likely spent years building up your retirement savings, and you may worry about how your divorce will impact your future retirement plans.
At Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C., our divorce attorneys can help you explore your options. We represent spouses throughout the Triangle area from our offices in Durham, Cary, Pittsboro and Wake Forest. We will learn about your unique situation and develop a plan that will protect your retirement assets.
Retirement accounts can include assets such as 401(k)s, IRAs and pensions. You have probably built up your accounts over many years with the plan of using them to fund a satisfying retirement. Divorce can impact these accounts. If you have collected retirement benefits through your employer, the amount earned during the length of your marriage is considered marital property and therefore will be divided with your spouse during a divorce unless both of you agree otherwise.
You may be able to avoid the division process entirely if you have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement in place that addresses how to handle your retirement assets.
To divide your retirement assets during divorce, you will need to prepare a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QRDO). This is a legal document issued by a judge that outlines how to divide retirement assets for the retirement plan administrator. A QRDO will allow you to specifically state the amount each spouse will receive from the retirement account once the funds are received. QRDOs can also help the owners of the retirement accounts avoid paying taxes or penalties on early withdrawals. Our attorneys at Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C., can help you prepare and draft a solid QRDO that protects your share of the retirement assets.
We understand many spouses feel protective over their retirement accounts. You’ve worked hard to build up your funds and you don’t want to lose any of what you’ve acquired because of a divorce. Especially for couples who are at or nearing retirement age, it can be difficult to have to divide your assets when retirement is around the corner.
Our divorce lawyers take the time to fully learn about your situation and provide you with personalized options.
Everyone is always so kind from Casie and Christina at intake, to the paralegals and attorneys. They promptly answer all questions.
...Everyone is always so kind from Casie and Christina at intake, to the paralegals and attorneys. They promptly answer all questions.
Great experience, Christina is very resourceful and knows what she is doing. Helping me through various obstacles.
...Great experience, Christina is very resourceful and knows what she is doing. Helping me through various obstacles.
Christina is highly knowledgeable and offers excellent service.
...Christina is highly knowledgeable and offers excellent service.
Have been connected to Ellis Family Law for many years and cannot recommend a more knowledgeable, caring, hard working group of attorneys. I do not hesitate to refer to them...
Have been connected to Ellis Family Law for many years and cannot recommend a more knowledgeable, caring, hard working group of attorneys. I do not hesitate to refer to them no matter how big or small the issue. They are truly a one of a kind law firm and am so thankful I can count on their guidance.
Gray is top tier in family law — knowledgeable, strategic, and relentless when it comes to protecting his clients. If you want someone who knows the system and knows how...
Gray is top tier in family law — knowledgeable, strategic, and relentless when it comes to protecting his clients. If you want someone who knows the system and knows how to navigate it successfully, call Ellis Family Law. Amazing Attorneys!
I can’t say enough good things about Ellis Family Law. Going through a family law matter is never easy, but their team made the entire process feel manageable and supported...
I can’t say enough good things about Ellis Family Law. Going through a family law matter is never easy, but their team made the entire process feel manageable and supported from start to finish. They are professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly responsive. I worked with Christina & she was absolutely impeccable and I knew after the first phone call I was in the right place to handle my business. Thank you Ellis Family Law.
We are equally skilled in litigation and in resolving disputes outside of court.
Mediation, arbitration, and collaborative approaches that resolve disputes with less stress and more cooperation.
Thoughtful advocacy for parenting arrangements that protect your children and preserve what matters most.
If you need guidance with dividing retirement accounts during your divorce, our skilled attorneys can help. We represent spouses throughout Cary, Durham, Pittsboro and Wake Forest with complex divorce and retirement account matters.
And for a fun twist: don’t miss our “Pour Decisions” section, featuring wine tips from our lawyer-wine specialist Gray Ellis!
