2025 Session Last amended: 1988 session

§ 518.582 — Procedure for Valuing Pension Benefits or Rights

Plain-Language Summary

When pension benefits need to be divided in a divorce, the court can appoint an actuary (a financial expert) to calculate the present value of those benefits. The cost of the actuary is split between the spouses as the court directs. The spouses can also agree on the value themselves instead of using an actuary.

Practical Notes
When this applies: During a divorce when pension or retirement benefits are being divided. Who this affects: Spouses who need to determine how much a pension is worth for purposes of property division. Key points: The court can appoint a qualified actuary to calculate the value of pension benefits. The actuary uses the pension plan’s own rules and financial assumptions. Both spouses can skip the actuary and agree on the value themselves through a stipulation. The cost of the court-appointed actuary is shared between the parties.