You may also be able to protect your pension during a California divorce case by reaching a settlement with your ex-spouse and avoiding a trial. All couples in California have the chance to work out a settlement agreement between themselves before the case goes to court. In a settlement, you remain in control of matters such as property division.
With a successful settlement, you may be able to negotiate to keep 100 percent of your pension plan. You could offer your ex something else in return, such as less of the marital debt. With a settlement, your case will not have to go to court and a judge will not give 50 percent of your pension plan to your ex.
You can increase your chances of achieving a settlement with your ex-spouse during a divorce case by hiring a divorce lawyer in Solana Beach to represent you. Your lawyer can attend mediation or arbitration with you to protect your rights and best interests during divorce settlement negotiations.
An attorney can help you compromise with your ex and come up with creative solutions that work for both of you. If there are ways you can protect your pension plan from going to your ex-spouse, your attorney will find them.