Is Roth IRA Protected From Divorce?

Understanding How Retirement Accounts Work in a Georgia Divorce

As a divorce attorney, one of the frequently asked questions I encounter is, “Is Roth IRA protected from divorce?” In the state of Georgia, the answer is: not necessarily.

The division of assets in a Georgia divorce, including a Roth IRA, depends on several factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial situation, and the judge’s discretion.

It also depends on whether the contributions to your Roth IRA were made before or during the marriage.

Let’s take a closer look.

What is a Roth IRA?

A Roth IRA is an individual retirement account that offers tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement. 

Unlike traditional IRAs, contributions to a Roth IRA are made with after-tax dollars. 

This means you pay taxes upfront, but enjoy tax-free benefits later on. 

It is a valuable asset and often becomes a point of contention in divorce proceedings, due to the lack of taxes later on when you go to withdraw the funds in your retirement.

Roth IRA Divorce 5-Year Rule

In divorce cases, the Roth IRA 5-year rule comes into play.

This rule states that for a distribution to be qualified and therefore tax-free, it must be made at least 5 years after the first contribution to any Roth IRA by the owner.

It’s important to understand this rule as it can significantly impact how the Roth IRA is split and the subsequent tax implications.

So, even if you are awarded a portion of your spouse’s Roth IRA in your divorce, it may need to be structured to have the funds rollover into another Roth IRA, to avoid any penalties.

We highly recommend speaking with both a family law attorney and an experienced financial advisor prior to agreeing to a division of a Roth IRA.

How to Split IRA in Divorce

In Georgia, IRAs are typically considered marital property and are subject to equitable distribution in a divorce. 

This means that a judge will decide how to split the IRA based on what they consider fair, which may not necessarily be equal. 

Factors such as each spouse’s earning capacity, the marriage’s duration, and the need for future security are often considered.

However, if the IRA was started prior to the marriage, then only the amounts put in and the growth of the funds during the marriage will be eligible for division as marital property.

Cashing Out IRA Divorce Settlement

Cashing out an IRA during a divorce settlement should be done with caution. 

While it may seem like an easy way to quickly divide assets, it can lead to significant tax penalties. 

It’s crucial to consult with an attorney or financial advisor to understand the potential tax implications and penalties associated with cashing out an IRA.

Always get advice before you act.

Can My Spouse Get My IRA in a Divorce?

As we’ve seen, in Georgia, your spouse may be entitled to a portion of your IRA in a divorce. 

This is determined by the court and is based on the principle of equitable distribution. 

It’s important to note that equitable does not always mean equal, and the court will consider various factors when deciding how to divide the IRA.

IRA Transfer Incident to Divorce

An IRA transfer incident to divorce refers to the process of splitting and transferring an IRA without incurring taxes or penalties.

This can be accomplished through a direct transfer or rollover, where the funds move from one spouse’s IRA directly into the other spouse’s IRA. 

It’s important to ensure this process is done correctly to avoid unintended tax consequences.

Final Thoughts

While a Roth IRA is not entirely protected from divorce in Georgia, there are specific rules and regulations in place that govern its division. 

Make sure you seek professional legal and financial advice in order to navigate these complexities effectively.