In dissolution of marriage proceedings within the state of Florida, retirement assets accumulated during the marriage are generally considered marital property subject to equitable distribution. This principle extends to pensions, which represent deferred compensation earned by one or both spouses during the course of the marriage. For example, if one spouse accrues pension benefits from their employer between the date of marriage and the date of separation, a portion of that pension may be awarded to the other spouse as part of the property division.
The division of these assets is significant because pensions often represent a substantial portion of a couple’s accumulated wealth. Proper handling of these assets ensures fairness and provides financial security for both parties following the divorce. Historically, the treatment of pensions in divorce has evolved to reflect changing societal norms and a greater recognition of the contributions of both spouses to the marital estate, regardless of whether both were directly employed.
