Obtaining or Terminating Benefits After Seattle Divorce

A lot changes when your marriage ends. It can be confusing to understand what happens to your health insurance, retirement accounts, pensions, and other employment benefits, which often require updates or modifications. If you are going through a divorce, a divorce lawyer at Twyford Law Office can guide you through the process of obtaining or terminating benefits after a divorce in Seattle, so you do not overlook anything important.

We know that protecting your financial future is important. Whether you are a business owner, a professional, or a stay-at-home parent, understanding how to manage benefits after divorce is essential for moving forward confidently.

Health Insurance Benefits and Divorce

One common question from clients is, “What happens to my health insurance?” In most cases, when a divorce becomes final, one spouse cannot stay on the other’s employer-sponsored health insurance plan. If you used your spouse’s plan, you would usually need to secure your own coverage.

You may have the option to extend coverage temporarily under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA. This allows you to keep your existing health plan for a limited period, usually up to 36 months, though you will need to pay the full premium. We help our clients review their options and plan ahead so there are no gaps in coverage after divorce.

If you are the spouse providing insurance, we will also work with you to update your plan and ensure compliance with any court orders related to your children’s health insurance. If you are wondering, ‘Where can I find a lawyer near me to help with obtaining or terminating benefits after a divorce in Seattle,’ we can help. At Twyford Law Office, we take a proactive approach because we know these details can be easy to miss during an emotional time.

Dividing Retirement Accounts and Pensions

Another key issue after divorce is the division of retirement accounts and pensions. In Washington, most retirement savings you and your spouse accumulate during your marriage can become community property and are subject to division.

If your divorce decree grants part of a retirement account—such as a 401(k), pension, or other plan—to your spouse, a special court order called a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) might be necessary to divide the funds. Without it, the plan administrator cannot transfer the benefits. Preparing a QDRO requires detailed knowledge of both the plan and the law.

At Twyford Law Office, we work with financial experts to prepare these orders accurately. Whether you are seeking to obtain or terminate benefits or safeguard your interests in a business-related plan after a divorce in Seattle, we make sure everything proceeds properly. We also help clients understand tax implications, so there are no surprises later.

Updating Beneficiary Designations and Estate Plans

Many people forget about beneficiary designations during divorce. Benefits often include life insurance policies, retirement accounts, payable-on-death accounts, and more. If you do not update these after divorce, your ex-spouse could remain the beneficiary—even if that was not your intention.

We recommend reviewing all beneficiary designations as part of your post-divorce planning. We also advise clients to update their estate plans, wills, and powers of attorney. At Twyford Law Office, we thoroughly consider your divorce, ensuring that your entire financial and legal arrangements align with your life after divorce.

Contact Us To Learn More About Obtaining or Terminating Benefits After a Divorce in Seattle

When you are going through a divorce, there is a lot to think about—and it is easy to overlook the steps needed for obtaining or terminating benefits after a Seattle divorce near me. Working with a divorce lawyer can help you avoid costly mistakes. At Twyford Law Office, we will guide you through each step, ensuring your financial security and peace of mind as you move forward.