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Divorce and Alcohol Consumption Abuse

Majority of people really need a strong reason to ask for a divorce. Yet, when it comes to divorce, both parties will go through a lot of stress (both physical and emotional). It is a tumultuous time for everyone involved, and there is no easy way to go through a divorce. After getting divorced, people often engage in a variety of unhealthy behaviors. Alcohol-abusing is among them. However, some people choose to divorce because one of the spouses has been using too much alcohol lately. Alcoholism is a very strong ground for a divorce, and one of the leading reasons why people seek divorce in the United States. Salvage What You Can Did you know that Alcoholism is among the three top reasons behind people’s divorce in the States? It is known to dimish relationships to the point where there is nothing left. Under the effect of alcohol, people do things they may regret later. Alcoholics usually have problems with focusing on their marriages, become secretive and tell a lot of ...

How Are Retirement Plans Divided in a Divorce?



Making financial decisions is very important in every aspect of your life. Divorce is no different. While going through a divorce, you will be faced with many difficulties and challenges and will have to make many decisions which may affect your future. You will go through:
However, one thing that most parents spend their effort on (besides getting custody over children) is the retirement saving. This is where most mistakes are made, and where true human nature shows up. This is the reason many divorces went to court and the reason why many individuals never spoke again.

Here are some tips that will help you and your spouse divide your retirement plans, without having to declare an all-out war.

Understand What You Are Dividing

Retirement savings are probably your most valuable assets. It is something you (or your spouse) invested in during hard years of work, and if the employer-sponsored retirement plan (401(k)) is discussed, you should know a few things to start with:
  • If your spouse is entitled to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, you are legally entitled to take part in the balance after separation or divorce. (it works the other way around too);
  • There are taxes involved
  • QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order);
Once you learn more about the above-listed legal options, you will have a better insight into what you should do and how you should protect your interests in case of a divorce.

For more information, you can always contact Salt Lake City Divorce Attorney Emy Cordano and schedule a free consultation. You are not obliged to hire attorneys after the consultation, but choosing to do so may help you get what you want after the divorce ends.

Don’t Get Left Out

If your spouse is the sole or primary breadwinner, you may feel endangered. However, if you haven’t signed a prenup, nothing can stop you from getting half (or at least 40 percent) of your spouse’s benefits. This can be easily settled with a quad row (QDRO), a court order which can be assigned to help you with your child support, alimony and other property rights. This court order has the power to instruct your spouse’s pension plan on how is it going to get paid, and on what accounts it is going to get shared. Qualified Domestic Relations Order is the only protection and a guarantee you need.

Note that QDRO only applies to plans which are IRS Tax-qualified, and at the same time covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). The only exceptions are government and military pensions.

Be sure to consult with a specialist, someone who knows everything about divorce/separation and handling the remaining assets and benefits. A Family Law Attorneywill gladly help you, and their offices are always open for anyone in need of a knowledgeable and experienced attorney.

Everything has to be approved by the court and the Plan Administrator. QDRO is your best option, and our attorneys are ready to help you fill and submit the form. Don’t wait until it is too late.

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