Equalization often seems like a quick win when it comes to divorce settlements. You’re exhausted. Your clients are exhausted. The finish line feels so close. But here’s the problem: Quick fixes don’t solve problems—they just cover them up.
The result is more time, more money, and more frustration for everyone involved.
Equalization might sound like a neat way to wrap things up, but it’s not that simple. Retirement plans aren’t like cash. You can’t just split them 50/50 and call it a day. Each type of plan—whether it’s an IRA, a 401(k), or a pension—has its own set of rules, tax consequences, and fluctuating values.
Think of it this way: Equalizing a 401(k) with a Cash Balance Plan is like trading apples for oranges. Yet, too often, attorneys take the easy route—cut it in half and move on. The problem? You’re leaving all the complications for someone else to deal with. The right approach is to start from the beginning. It’s about making sure every account is split properly—clearly and cleanly. It’s not about finding the quickest way out but embracing the complexity to create a lasting solution.
Your clients deserve more than a rushed settlement, and so do you. The time to make that change is now, before you’re overwhelmed with burned-out clients and incomplete settlements. Start right, finish right.
If you’re ready to stop rushing and get it done correctly, I can help. Each week, I send practical, no-nonsense advice straight to your inbox—guidance that will keep you out of those costly traps.
Lead with clarity, not shortcuts. The time to stop cutting corners is now.