{"id":351767,"date":"2020-07-10T09:49:44","date_gmt":"2020-07-10T14:49:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/divorce\/how-to-protect-your-401k-in-a-divorce.html"},"modified":"2026-07-06T08:23:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T13:23:00","slug":"how-to-protect-your-401k-in-a-divorce","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce\/how-to-protect-your-401k-in-a-divorce.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Protect Your 401k in a Divorce"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">How To Protect Your 401k in a Divorce<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            July 06, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <p>Retirement accounts, like other financial assets, are subject to divorce laws based on contributions made during a marriage. The court can award your spouse a percentage of your 401(k) based on your state&#8217;s divorce laws. Your attorney can help you explore your options to protect your 401(k).<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>This article will help answer frequently asked questions about what happens to a\u00a0401(k), or other similar\u00a0retirement accounts, in the event of a divorce.<\/p>\n<h2>Financial Steps To Consider Before Divorce<\/h2>\n<p>Before you think about the divorce decree, you may want to meet with one of these professionals:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/socialsecurity\/retirement-planning\/social-security-vs-401k.html\">Social Security benefits<\/a>\u00a0plan administrator<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/faq-pension-plans-and-erisa.html\">Pension plan<\/a>\u00a0administrator<\/li>\n<li>Retirement and savings plan financial advisor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It is essential to review your:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Roth IRA and individual retirement account<\/li>\n<li>Life insurance policies<\/li>\n<li>Credit cards and debt<\/li>\n<li>Retirement income<\/li>\n<li>Court orders related to a former spouse or child support<\/li>\n<li>Legal documents such as wills and prenuptial agreements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Gathering most of this information is free. A divorce attorney can also review your retirement planning and offer legal advice on your retirement account balances and the divorce agreement.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How are 401(K)S typically split during a divorce?<\/li>\n<li>What typically happens with 401(k)s and other retirement accounts during a divorce?<\/li>\n<li>Are my 401(K), retirement assets, or retirement benefits part of marital property?<\/li>\n<li>Does my ex get 50% of my retirement accounts, IRA, or retirement savings?<\/li>\n<li>What is a 401(k) divorce cash out?<\/li>\n<li>What is a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO)?<\/li>\n<li>Is it legal to cash out your 401(k) before a divorce?<\/li>\n<li>Can you legally hide 401(k) assets during a divorce?<\/li>\n<li>What to consider during a divorce<\/li>\n<li>How can I protect my 401(k) in a divorce?<\/li>\n<li>What is 401(k) hardship divorce withdrawal?<\/li>\n<li>Should you stop contributing to a 401(k) during divorce?<\/li>\n<li>Questions? Attorneys offer free consultations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How Are 401(k)s Typically Split During a Divorce?<\/h2>\n<p>Any funds contributed to the 401(k) account during the marriage are\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce\/divorce-property.html\">marital property<\/a>\u00a0and subject to division during the divorce unless there is a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage\/prenuptial-agreements.html\">valid prenuptial agreement<\/a>. For example, if you were married for five years and contributed $50,000 to your retirement account or pension plan during that time, your spouse would likely be entitled to a 50% share or $25,000.<\/p>\n<p>Remember that whether your spouse ends up with a part, all, or none of your 401(k) depends on how your overall marital assets are split. For example, if your spouse also has a retirement account worth a similar amount, you may each decide to keep your accounts.<\/p>\n<h2>What Typically Happens With 401(k)s and Other Retirement Accounts During a Divorce?<\/h2>\n<p>The division of retirement accounts is typically one of the most complex divorce issues. There are tax implications and unique rules and laws that apply.<\/p>\n<p>For example, a divorce is a rare time that allows you early access to your 401(k) or IRA without a tax penalty if your spouse is awarded part of your account.<\/p>\n<p>Dividing retirement accounts during divorce is also tricky because investment accounts are tied to the stock market, so changes in the stock market directly affect your account&#8217;s value. That&#8217;s why very specific language has to be used in the divorce decree.<\/p>\n<h2>Are My 401(k), Retirement Assets, or Retirement Benefits Part of Marital Property?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes, unless a prenuptial agreement or other arrangement protects your money from being marital property. If not, anything earned or purchased after you filed your marriage certificate will likely be considered marital property and subject to division based on the laws in your state.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Your state&#8217;s divorce laws determine how your retirement accounts and other financial assets may be distributed during a divorce. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find an attorney near you<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Does My Ex Get 50% of My Retirement Accounts, IRA, or Retirement Savings?<\/h2>\n<p>Not automatically, but it depends on the state laws where you&#8217;re getting divorced. Most states follow\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce\/equitable-distribution.html\">equitable distribution<\/a>\u00a0laws, which means marital property is divided &#8220;equitably&#8221; but not always equally. A smaller number of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce\/community-property-overview.html\">community property states<\/a>\u00a0divide all marital assets 50\/50 in a divorce. If you and your ex-spouse cannot agree on the property division, the courts will use state family law in the divorce proceedings.<\/p>\n<h2>What Is a 401(k) Divorce Cash Out?<\/h2>\n<p>Many people going through divorce need cash for a down payment on a new house or to cover living expenses before finding a job. One way to access cash is to take a lump sum payment from your ex&#8217;s retirement account as part of the property settlement.<\/p>\n<p>As <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lisa Carver, of <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/south-carolina\/myrtle-beach\/the-carver-law-firm-llc-NDI1MzgwMV8x\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Carver Law Firm in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina<\/a>, points out, c<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ash for a home purchase may be more beneficial to help an ex-spouse with a current living situation than waiting to be eligible to draw from a 401(k) without penalty.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Generally, taking money from a 401(k) before 59 \u00bd would have a 10% penalty fee. But, early withdrawals can be made as part of a divorce settlement without this fee by following specific rules, including using a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (read more below).<\/p>\n<p>Note: The cash out would still be taxed according to your income tax rate. You should contact a tax specialist to understand the possible tax consequences.<\/p>\n<h2>What Is a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)?<\/h2>\n<p>Some retirement accounts, including pensions and 401(k)s, can only be divided with a special order called a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). The QDRO tells the plan&#8217;s administrator how to pay the non-employee spouse their share of the plan benefits.<\/p>\n<h2>Is It Legal to Cash Out Your 401(k) Before a Divorce?<\/h2>\n<p>After a divorce starts, it is generally not permitted to dispose of marital assets such as retirement accounts. Also, just because you empty the account doesn&#8217;t mean your spouse won&#8217;t just ask for their marital share, so you could still have to pay. Finally, while you can cash out your 401(k) whenever you want, there is a penalty fee of 10% if you are under age 59 \u00bd, and you will owe income tax.<\/p>\n<h2>Can You Legally Hide 401(k) Assets During a Divorce?<\/h2>\n<p>It is illegal to hide your financial assets during a divorce, but not in the way you might think. No laws explicitly say hiding assets is illegal; however, you are asked to present the truth during a divorce. To hide a bank account would be perjury, a crime.<\/p>\n<h2>What To Consider During a Divorce<\/h2>\n<p>Once you begin the divorce process, retirement account issues to consider include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Income taxes, tax-free income, and your tax bracket<\/li>\n<li>Rollover accounts<\/li>\n<li>Prenuptial agreement, if any<\/li>\n<li>Whether your state is a community property or marital property state<\/li>\n<li>Savings accounts and overall retirement funds<\/li>\n<li>Any specific terms you outlined in the divorce settlement (like getting to keep the cabin or a family pet)<\/li>\n<li>Stocks or other payouts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These considerations will eventually lead to the final number your ex gets in the property division.<\/p>\n<h2>How Can I Protect My 401(k) in a Divorce?<\/h2>\n<p>There are many options to keep as much of your 401(k) as possible during a divorce. You can consider selling your home, how close you are to Social Security (age 62), gathering evidence that keeps more money in your pocket, and making lifestyle changes that put more money back into your 401(k).<\/p>\n<p>Remember, the divorce will have a negotiation phase so that you can offer something else to your ex instead of money from your 401(k).<\/p>\n<p>There may not be a way to stop your ex from getting some of your 401(k), but you can make changes to put money back into the account after the divorce.<\/p>\n<h2>What Is 401(k) Hardship Divorce Withdrawal?<\/h2>\n<p>A hardship withdrawal or &#8220;hardship distribution&#8221; lets you take money from your 401(k) without the 10% penalty fee if you are ordered by a court to provide the funds to your ex-spouse or children.<\/p>\n<h2>Should You Stop Contributing to a 401(k) During Divorce?<\/h2>\n<p>The choice is up to you, but you will first need to check your plan to see if you are within the time frames that let you change your plan enrollment status or contribution amounts. Some people find that stopping retirement contributions when a divorce is pending helps to free up cash for bills and attorney fees.<\/p>\n<p>However, remember that whatever you invest after the date of separation may or may not be considered your separate property.<\/p>\n<h2>Divorce Questions? Many Attorneys Offer Free Consultations<\/h2>\n<p>Splitting retirement requires many people to seek the advice of an experienced attorney, even if their divorce is amicable.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/divorce\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Call a divorce lawyer for a consultation<\/a>\u00a0to see what they recommend for your 401(k) and other retirement accounts. If you develop a client relationship with a divorce attorney, they can help you with every step of the divorce process.<\/p>\n<h2>Protect Your 401(k) in a Divorce: What To Do Next<\/h2>\n<p>Divorce can put your retirement savings at risk faster than most people expect. Because 401(k)s are often treated as marital property, the court may divide part of your account, even if you were the only one contributing. State laws, contribution timelines, and whether you have a prenuptial agreement all impact what happens next.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re worried about losing a significant portion of your retirement funds, taking a few focused steps now can help you understand your state&#8217;s rules and how to best protect your financial future.<\/p>\n<h2>Your Actionable Next Steps<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Gather your 401(k) statements and contribution history. <\/strong>Courts look closely at when you made contributions. Collect statements showing balances before marriage, during marriage, and after separation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check your state\u2019s rules on marital vs. separate property. <\/strong>Some states divide marital assets equally, while others divide them based on fairness. Knowing your state\u2019s approach helps you anticipate what portion of your financial assets may be at risk.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Review any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements.<\/strong> These agreements may protect your retirement accounts, but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage\/what-can-and-cannot-be-included-in-prenuptial-agreements.html\">only if they\u2019re valid and enforceable<\/a>. Confirm what they cover before you go to court.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Understand how a QDRO works.<\/strong> A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.gov\/node\/25152\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Qualified Domestic Relations Order<\/a> (QDRO) is required to divide a 401(k). Knowing how it works helps you avoid mistakes that delay the process or trigger taxes and penalties.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Consult a divorce attorney. <\/strong>A <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">lawyer familiar with your state&#8217;s laws<\/a> can help you understand your exposure, negotiate more effectively, and avoid decisions that could result in major setbacks in your retirement planning.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    You may not need an attorney for a simple divorce with uncontested issues\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Legal advice is critical to protect your interests in a contested divorce\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Divorce lawyers can help secure fair custody\/visitation, support, and property division\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>An attorney is a skilled advocate during negotiations and court proceedings. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/divorce\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL24\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce.html\">\n                        Divorce Overview\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage.html\">\n                        Marriage Overview\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-support.html\">\n                        Child Support Overview\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/divorce\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Divorce Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Family Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/child-support\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Child Support Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/same-sex\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Same Sex Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/fathers-rights\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Father&#8217;s Rights Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/adoption\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Adoption Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/custody-visitation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Custody and Visitation Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"actionImageCard aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12\">\n    <div class=\"fl-image-card\">\n                <div class=\"fl-image-card__content\">\n            <div class=\"action-card-layout\">\n                <h2 class=\"action-card-layout__heading\">\n                    Don&#8217;t Forget About Estate Planning\n                <\/h2>\n                <div class=\"action-card-layout__content fl-text-lg\">\n                    <p>Divorce is an ideal time to review your beneficiary designations on life insurance, bank accounts, and retirement accounts. You need to change your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/estate-planning.html\" title=\"DIY Forms\">estate planning forms<\/a>&nbsp;to reflect any new choices about your personal representative and beneficiaries. You can change your power of attorney if you named your ex-spouse as your agent. Also, change your health care directive to remove them from making your health care decisions.<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/estate-planning.html\" class=\"action-card-layout__button fl-button fl-link-button secondary\">\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Start Planning<\/span>\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Courts can award your spouse part of your 401(k) during a divorce. Learn how your state treats retirement accounts during a divorce at FindLaw.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":351716,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":["SEO Title Length","External Links","Alt Text for All Images","Category Assigned"]},"categories":[2730],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-351767","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-family"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351767","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=351767"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351767\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":399616,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351767\/revisions\/399616"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/351716"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=351767"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=351767"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=351767"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=351767"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=351767"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}