Pensions and Divorce: Are You Entitled to Your Spouse’s Pension or Is Your Spouse Entitled to Yours?

Second Saturday Team

Finances

These days, one of the biggest benefits to holding a public sector job or sticking it out in the military is the promise of a pension during retirement years. While pension plans have been largely replaced in the private sector by 401(k) plans, they are still going strong in the public sector. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, roughly 13.5% of working-age Americans have a defined benefit or cash-balance plan, which includes pension plans.

A pension plan represents a lot of money and can even make or break a retirement, so how is a pension handled during a divorce? Are you entitled to a piece of your spouse’s pension benefits during divorce, or, alternatively, can your spouse take a portion of your pension?

When it comes to pensions and divorce, here’s what you need to know.

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From Elisabeth D.:

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From Michelle R.:

"Being in the process of divorce (or even thinking about it) it's scary. A reliable source of information is crucial to feel empowered and make good, long-term decisions. Second Saturday opens a honest discussion so we can face our worst fears, have a plan, and understand how the divorce process works. Mark and Dana manage to be professional and share accurate and thorough information while understanding the turmoil, grief and deep challenges we are going through. I strongly recommend this workshop for anyone who needs information, hope, resources, a clearer picture or all of the above."

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From Sarah B.:

"Attending the workshop has given me great knowledge and confidence in navigating a very complicated and emotional process for myself and my family. Mark and his team of therapists and attorneys gave a overview of details that were so insightful and helpful and felt that when the workshop was over I was feeling more postive and optimistic to the next steps. The resources and comfort that was shared by the other women was inspirational and felt at ease sharing my struggles and story. This was so helpful and I am grateful that Mark Flowers has created for the support in the community."

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"Thank you for holding these workshops. They are a great resource for us women during this difficult time. Sometimes all you need is a little support to climb that mountain."
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From Amy Laughlin, Family Law Attorney on why she volunteers at Second Saturday:

"I think there is a lot of fear around divorce. Fear of uncertainty. Fear of what the future will bring. Fear of the process. I was fearful once, myself, when I went through the process prior to becoming a divorce attorney. No one can take away uncertainty about the future, but I learned I can help alleviate fear regarding the process of getting a divorce. Knowledge is power. And when I provide knowledge to people about the process, I can see some of their fear melt away. I love helping people in this way."

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