Divorce is stressful. Even in the best of circumstances, the process is filled with tension and drama. Simply separating from a person that you shared a life with for years can be heart-wrenching, even if it is necessary. There are also practical components that are just as challenging. The lives of spouses are intertwined not only emotionally, but financially as well. The disentangling of financial interests is frequently a source of tension during separation, especially if a 401(k) plan is present.
Who retains the benefit of a 401(k) is a deeply personal issue; after all, it is often essential to both parties’ quality of life post-retirement.
Wisconsin Law establishes how retirement plans, such as pensions and 401(k)s, are divided by the court during divorce.
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