{"id":353925,"date":"2014-12-04T13:57:46","date_gmt":"2014-12-04T18:57:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/socialsecurity\/retirement-planning\/ira-plan-faq.html"},"modified":"2026-02-23T13:53:39","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T18:53:39","slug":"ira-plan-faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/socialsecurity\/retirement-planning\/ira-plan-faq.html","title":{"rendered":"Planning for IRA Beneficiaries and Trusts: FAQ"},"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\">Planning for IRA Beneficiaries and Trusts: FAQ<\/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\/hannah-hilst\/\">Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/laura-temme-esq\/\">Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            February 23, 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-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p><span data-term-id=\"57145169\">Individual <\/span><span data-term-id=\"57145154\">Retirement Accounts<\/span> (IRAs) are often one of the largest assets a person owns late in life. As an <span data-term-id=\"57145142\">IRA owner<\/span>, consider the <span data-term-id=\"57145192\">tax rules<\/span> and your <span data-term-id=\"57145146\">estate planning<\/span> goals carefully.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The primary purpose of your retirement funds is to enhance your golden years. Yet, you may also want them to support your loved ones beyond your lifetime. For this goal, you\u2019ll need to know how to make the most of your IRA assets.<\/p>\n<p>Even if you\u2019re years away from retiring, start planning early to pass down an inherited IRA. You can prepare for how you\u2019ll withdraw money to avoid penalties and minimize tax liability. You can also choose your beneficiaries when evaluating your estate plan.<\/p>\n<p>This guide explains frequently asked questions about IRAs, beneficiaries, trusts, and taxes. You can also meet with an <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/estate-planning\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">estate planning lawyer<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/social-security\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">retirement benefits attorney<\/a> to understand your options.<\/p>\n<p>See answers to the questions below:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#inherit\">Can my family inherit my IRA?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#beneficiary\">What is a designated beneficiary of an IRA?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#taxes\">How should I plan for IRA taxes?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#distributions\">How do IRA distributions work after the account owner\u2019s death?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#estate-tax\">Can I change how my retirement plan will be taxed when I die?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#donation\">Can I donate my IRA?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#titled\">Can an IRA be titled in the name of a living trust?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#trust-beneficiary\">Can a living trust be the beneficiary of an IRA?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#lawyer\">When do I need a lawyer for IRA planning?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"inherit\"><\/a>Can my family inherit my IRA?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes. You have many options to determine what will happen to your retirement accounts. A simple option is to designate a beneficiary on the account. Yet, you may want to consider whether other financial planning options provide better advantages.<\/p>\n<p>Even if you have other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/socialsecurity\/retirement-planning\/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-retire.html\">savings and benefits<\/a> to sustain your retirement, you probably can\u2019t leave your SIMPLE, SEP, or traditional IRA untouched forever. Participants must make required minimum distributions (RMDs) starting at age 73. This age is known as the \u201crequired beginning date.\u201d You may want to evaluate how RMDs will affect your family\u2019s future inheritance. In contrast, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/probate\/the-advantages-of-an-inherited-roth-ira.html\">Roth IRAs<\/a> don\u2019t impose RMDs during your lifetime.<\/p>\n<p>You could consider using these mandatory withdrawals to buy certain immediate-pay annuities. These annuities guarantee to you (and perhaps a designated beneficiary) an amount of money for the rest of your life. This can still meet the minimum distribution requirements.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"beneficiary\"><\/a>What is a designated beneficiary of an IRA?<\/h2>\n<p>A designated beneficiary is someone who will inherit the account after the IRA owner\u2019s death. You must explicitly specify your beneficiaries. Usually, the institution where you keep your IRA will have an online form or process you can use.<\/p>\n<p>You can name young children as beneficiaries, but this creates legal complications regarding access to funds before age 18 or 21 (depending on state law). Without proper legal structures, such as a trust, a court-appointed guardian or conservator may be required to manage the inheritance. An estate planning attorney can help you establish appropriate trusts to avoid court involvement and ensure funds are managed according to your wishes.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s important to designate your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/resources\/estate-planning\/what-is-a-beneficiary.html\">beneficiaries<\/a> according to your wishes. Your IRA beneficiary designation will take precedence over anyone else you name to inherit the account in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/wills.html\">your will<\/a>. You can always change your designated beneficiary.<\/p>\n<p>Consider the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Naming your estate as the beneficiary, whether intentionally or by failing to name anyone, eliminates favorable tax deferral options and forces accelerated distributions.<\/li>\n<li>Failure to update beneficiary designations after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage\/what-s-mine-is-mine-what-s-yours-is-mine-who-owns-what-in.html\">major life events<\/a> (marriage, divorce, birth of children) can result in assets passing to unintended recipients \u2014 even if your will states otherwise.<\/li>\n<li>IRAs or similar retirement plans don\u2019t <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/probate\/when-do-you-have-to-go-through-probate.html\">require probate<\/a> if you complete the IRA beneficiary designation. If the plan fails to name a beneficiary, probate will probably be required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"taxes\"><\/a>How should I plan for IRA taxes?<\/h2>\n<p>The first factor to consider is the type of IRA account you have. The type will affect whether you have to pay taxes on your withdrawals during retirement.<\/p>\n<p>In a Roth IRA, income tax applies to each contribution you make. Your withdrawals in retirement are not subject to income tax.<\/p>\n<p>In a <span data-term-id=\"57145159\">traditional IRA<\/span>, your savings and growth are tax-deferred. You don\u2019t pay <span data-term-id=\"57145156\">income tax<\/span> on the money you contribute. Instead, <span data-term-id=\"57145156\">income tax<\/span> will apply to the principal and accrued income when you withdraw funds.<\/p>\n<p>An additional tax bill is due in the following circumstances:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Early withdrawals before age 59 1\/2 will trigger a 10% penalty.<\/li>\n<li>Excess contributions to a retirement plan trigger a 6% penalty.<\/li>\n<li>Failure to withdraw your RMD before the deadline incurs a 25% penalty. Correcting the missed RMD within two years can lower this penalty to 10%. If you don\u2019t finish your RMD in your final year of life, the IRS will waive this penalty if your beneficiaries withdraw them within the following year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The money in an IRA may be a substantial part of your net assets. Your IRAs, Keogh Plans, pension, and profit-sharing benefits are included in your gross estate. They help determine your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/planning-an-estate\/federal-estate-and-gift-tax-laws.html\">estate tax liability<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you die with an undistributed plan, that money will be taxable income. It may be subject to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/planning-an-estate\/estate-and-gift-tax-an-overview.html\">estate tax<\/a> and possibly generation-skipping tax. These taxes can substantially lower the amount passing to your children and grandchildren.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"distributions\"><\/a>How do IRA distributions work after the account owner\u2019s death?<\/h2>\n<p>The distribution options and rules depend on the beneficiary\u2019s relationship to you. They also depend on whether the account owner dies before or after their required beginning date. This factor affects how long the beneficiary has to receive the money. Different types of beneficiaries may be subject to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/retirement-plans\/plan-participant-employee\/retirement-topics-beneficiary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">5-year rule or a 10-year rule<\/a>. These distribution rules mean the account must be empty by the end of the 5th or 10th year after the owner&#8217;s death, respectively.<\/p>\n<p>The main types of individual beneficiaries include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The participant\u2019s spouse<\/li>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"57145162\">Non-spouse beneficiaries<\/span>, such as <span data-term-id=\"57145186\">adult children<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"57145158\">Eligible designated beneficiaries<\/span>, such as <span data-term-id=\"57145151\">minor children<\/span> or family members with disabilities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Your <span data-term-id=\"57145155\">surviving spouse<\/span> may take a <span data-term-id=\"57145180\">lump-sum<\/span> distribution and <span data-term-id=\"57145174\">roll over<\/span> any amount to your spouse\u2019s <span data-term-id=\"57145184\">own IRA<\/span>. Or, they can treat the IRA as their own to postpone any distributions and defer <span data-term-id=\"57145156\">income tax<\/span> until their own <span data-term-id=\"57145164\">required beginning date<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Even a <span data-term-id=\"57145147\">Roth IRA<\/span> will have <span data-term-id=\"57145145\">RMDs<\/span> once it\u2019s inherited. The <span data-term-id=\"57145145\">RMDs<\/span> are based on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/retirement-plans\/plan-participant-employee\/retirement-topics-required-minimum-distributions-rmds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"57145144\">IRS<\/span> tables of <span data-term-id=\"57145143\">life expectancy<\/span><\/a>. These minimum withdrawals vary depending on the age of your spouse or beneficiary.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"estate-tax\"><\/a>Can I change how my <span data-term-id=\"57145166\">retirement plan<\/span> will be taxed when I die?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes, but the <span data-term-id=\"57145192\">tax rules<\/span> can become very complex, and missteps can trigger unintended <span data-term-id=\"57145177\">tax consequences<\/span>. The strategies outlined below require careful coordination between your <span data-term-id=\"57145154\">retirement accounts<\/span>, life insurance policies, and <span data-term-id=\"57145146\">estate plan<\/span>. An <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/planning-an-estate\/what-do-estate-planning-lawyers-do.html\"><span data-term-id=\"57145146\">estate planning<\/span> attorney<\/a> can help you execute these strategies correctly and ensure they align with current tax law.<\/p>\n<p>One strategy an <span data-term-id=\"57145187\">account holder<\/span> might use is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/trusts\/what-is-a-trust-account.html\">trust<\/a>. A trust is an account that contains assets for <span data-term-id=\"57145146\">estate planning<\/span> purposes. The sections below offer more information about using trusts with an IRA.<\/p>\n<p>Another possible strategy involves using insurance to convert taxable funds into a <span data-term-id=\"57145185\">tax-free<\/span> benefit as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/socialsecurity\/retirement-planning\/when-i-retire-how-can-i-tap-into-my-retirement-fund.html\">Maximizing withdrawals<\/a> from a <span data-term-id=\"57145159\">traditional IRA<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Using funds to pay premiums on an appropriate life insurance policy<\/li>\n<li>Creating an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/trusts\/irrevocable-living-trust.html\">irrevocable life insurance trust<\/a> for a beneficiary<\/li>\n<li>Gaining the estate tax benefits of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/planning-an-estate\/transfer-your-life-insurance-policy-to-lower-your-estate-tax.html\">life insurance transfer<\/a> upon death<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><a id=\"donation\"><\/a>Can I donate my IRA?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes. You have a few options to donate the funds in your IRA during or after your lifetime. Charities can generally receive IRA funds <span data-term-id=\"57145185\">tax-free<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>If you have reached your IRA\u2019s <span data-term-id=\"57145164\">required beginning date<\/span>, one option is to make <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/tax\/federal-taxes\/charitable-contributions.html\">qualified charitable distributions<\/a> (QCDs). The money flows directly from your IRA to the eligible charity of your choice. These donations gain the benefit of tax exemption, even if they\u2019re from a <span data-term-id=\"57145159\">traditional IRA<\/span>. They also count toward your <span data-term-id=\"57145145\">RMDs<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Another option is to create a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/trusts\/charitable-trust.html\">charitable trust<\/a> for tax-exempt gifting. Transferring your IRA to a qualified charity can bypass both income and estate taxes. With a charitable remainder trust, the charity <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/trusts\/what-is-trust-administration.html\">manages the trust assets<\/a> and uses them to pay you during life (or your beneficiary for a set term). Upon death or the end of the term, the charity will keep the remaining funds. This option offers multiple tax advantages if you plan to donate.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"titled\"><\/a>Can an IRA be titled in the name of a living trust?<\/h2>\n<p>No, the IRA is owned by the plan participant. Only individuals can establish and maintain an IRA. A living trust isn\u2019t a person and therefore can\u2019t own an IRA.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"trust-beneficiary\"><\/a>Can a living trust be the beneficiary of an IRA?<\/h2>\n<p>Most likely, yes. Generally, a designated beneficiary must be an individual. But sometimes, the <span data-term-id=\"57145168\">trust beneficiary<\/span> can be treated as the individual <span data-term-id=\"57145140\">IRA beneficiary<\/span>. This is known as a \u201c<span data-term-id=\"57145165\">see-through trust<\/span>.\u201d The <span data-term-id=\"57145144\">IRS<\/span> will look past the trust itself to \u201csee\u201d an individual who can inherit the account.<\/p>\n<p>There are a few requirements for this to work, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The trust must be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/planning-an-estate\/state-laws-estates-probate.html\">valid under <span data-term-id=\"57145176\">state law<\/span><\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>The trust must be irrevocable or will become irrevocable upon the participant\u2019s death.<\/li>\n<li>The <span data-term-id=\"57145173\">trust documents<\/span> identify beneficiaries.<\/li>\n<li>After the participant\u2019s death, the plan administrator must receive a copy of the trust instrument by the deadline.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Some people choose a qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) trust to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/planning-an-estate\/10-ways-to-reduce-estate-taxes.html\">leave their assets<\/a> to their spouse. This is a common example of a trust that can achieve the see-through status.<\/p>\n<p>There are two types of <span data-term-id=\"57145165\">see-through trusts<\/span>. A <span data-term-id=\"57145183\">conduit trust<\/span> would pass retirement savings to the beneficiary directly. An <span data-term-id=\"57145193\">accumulation trust<\/span> would let some of the retirement assets stay within the trust. Each <span data-term-id=\"57145188\">type of trust<\/span> has pros and cons to consider.<\/p>\n<p>But seek legal advice first. Given the strict technical requirements and potential for disqualification, consult an <span data-term-id=\"57145146\">estate planning<\/span> attorney before naming a trust as your <span data-term-id=\"57145140\">IRA beneficiary<\/span>. Even minor errors in <span data-term-id=\"57145173\">trust documentation<\/span> or timing can result in unfavorable tax treatment and loss of stretch <span data-term-id=\"57145182\">distribution options<\/span>. A lawyer can help you navigate <span data-term-id=\"57145177\">tax consequences<\/span>, <span data-term-id=\"57145190\">new rules<\/span>, and any specific interests you may have.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"lawyer\"><\/a>When do I need a lawyer for IRA planning?<\/h2>\n<p>Below are common reasons to speak with an attorney about your IRA and other <span data-term-id=\"57145166\">retirement plans<\/span>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You want to name a trust as a beneficiary of your <span data-term-id=\"57145154\">retirement account<\/span>.<\/li>\n<li>Your estate will likely be subject to federal estate tax (includes $15 million+ estates in 2026).<\/li>\n<li>Your family circumstances may lead to competing beneficiary interests, such as in a blended family.<\/li>\n<li>You have one or more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/trusts\/special-needs-trusts-faq-s.html\">beneficiaries with special needs<\/a>, which requires carefully structured planning.<\/li>\n<li>Your beneficiaries live across multiple states or countries, which introduces interstate and international <span data-term-id=\"57145146\">estate planning<\/span> concerns.<\/li>\n<li>You own a business and manage a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/faq-pension-plans-and-erisa.html\">qualified <span data-term-id=\"57145166\">retirement plan<\/span><\/a>, or you plan to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/closing-a-business\/succession-planning-for-small-businesses.html\">exit your business<\/a> to retire.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A lawyer can help you address many topics during <span data-term-id=\"57145166\">retirement planning<\/span>. They can help you evaluate all your options as you decide how to save for supporting yourself and your loved ones. They can also watch out for mistakes that could have high costs or other unintended results.<\/p>\n<h2>Get Legal Help To Protect Your Assets<\/h2>\n<p>Preserve your financial security during your lifetime and beyond. Each situation may require different planning strategies. Carefully examine yours with a professional who has expertise in this area of the law. See FindLaw\u2019s directory of <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/estate-planning\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"57145146\">estate planning<\/span> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/estate-planning\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">attorneys<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/social-security\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">retirement lawyers<\/a> to find a professional near you.<\/p>\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                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               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                 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       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                    An attorney can help you avoid legal mistakes and tax penalties when managing your IRA\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                    A lawyer can form trusts properly to execute your planning goals\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                    Get legal help to align your retirement plan with other concerns like taxes, inheritance, medical needs, and business ownership\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>A retirement and Social Security lawyer can help protect you against unexpected consequences. Get legal advice early to make the most of your earnings, savings, and withdrawals.<\/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\">\u00a0<a title=\"Social Security Law Attorney Directory\" href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/social-security\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL17\" 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\/socialsecurity\/basics.html\">\n                        Social Security Basics\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\/socialsecurity\/disability.html\">\n                        Social Security Disability\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\/socialsecurity\/retirement-planning.html\">\n                        Retirement Planning\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\/social-security\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Social Security &#8212; Retirement and Survivors Benefits Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/erisa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)  Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/workers-compensation-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Workers&#8217; Compensation Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/wage-hour\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wage and Hour Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/employment-law-employee\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Employment Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/social-security-disability\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Social Security Disability Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/disability\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Disability Insurance 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                <h3 class=\"action-card-layout__heading\">\n                    Don\u2019t Forget About Estate Planning\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"action-card-layout__content fl-text-lg\">\n                    <p>Now is a great time to consider creating or revising your estate plan. Protect your assets through a will, decide who can make financial decisions for you through a power of attorney, and ensure you make important health care decisions through a health care directive. You can create these critical documents online using DIY estate planning forms.<\/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>Answers to commonly asked questions about IRAs, how they work, and their uses. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":51445,"featured_media":0,"parent":353920,"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":[]},"categories":[2742],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-353925","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-socialsecurity"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/353925","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\/51445"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=353925"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/353925\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":393060,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/353925\/revisions\/393060"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/353920"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=353925"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=353925"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=353925"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=353925"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=353925"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}