Retirement Accounts in Divorce: Classification, Valuation, & Division

Most divorces involve a mix of assets to uncover — real property, bank accounts, investment and retirement accounts, etc. One of the most complex of all is retirement accounts, and for some couples, these accounts can add up to be the bulk of their net worth.

In this session, Sarah Cuddy, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), will untangle the complexities in the different types of accounts, red flags to look for — including which have strings attached — and how to value them and divide them. She’ll share:

• The difference between a Defined Contribution Plan and Defined Benefit Plan

• How to distinguish between a Qualified Plan and an IRA-based Plan, and the appropriate valuation methods for each

• The proven method for dividing and retitling assets held in Qualified Plans and IRA-based Plans

• The role a CDFA plays in optimizing the division of retirement plans in…