Understanding How to Divide the Hanson Communications 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan in Divorce
When retirement assets are on the line in a divorce, the process can become more than just financially stressful—it can also become legally complicated. One asset needing special attention is the Hanson Communications 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan. If you’re divorcing someone who has this type of 401(k) through their workplace, you may be entitled to a portion of the retirement benefits. But to actually receive your share, you’ll need what’s known as a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO).
QDROs are legal orders that split retirement benefits between divorcing spouses. However, each retirement plan has its own administrative requirements, and the Hanson Communications 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan is no exception. Below, we explain what divorcing spouses need to know specifically about dividing this account and how to avoid common mistakes.
Plan-Specific Details for the Hanson Communications 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan
Before you draft a QDRO, you need to gather plan-specific details. Here is what’s currently known about the Hanson Communications 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan:
- Plan Name: Hanson Communications 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan
- Sponsor: Hanson communications, Inc..
- Address: 20250430092305NAL0001056675001, 2024-01-01
- EIN: Unknown (required for QDRO; must be obtained)
- Plan Number: Unknown (required for QDRO; must be obtained)
- Industry: General Business
- Organization Type: Corporation
- Participants: Unknown
- Plan Year: Unknown to Unknown
- Effective Date: Unknown
- Status: Active
- Assets: Unknown
Note: You or your attorney will need to contact the plan administrator to confirm the exact EIN and Plan Number, both of which are mandatory for QDRO submission. At PeacockQDROs, we routinely help clients gather this information as part of our start-to-finish process.
Key QDRO Considerations for 401(k) Plans Like This One
401(k) plans can be tricky to divide, especially when employer contributions, loan balances, Roth accounts, or vesting schedules are involved. Here’s what to look out for with the Hanson Communications 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan:
Employee vs. Employer Contributions
Dividing a 401(k) plan usually includes both the employee’s deferrals and the company’s contributions. However, employer contributions may be subject to a vesting schedule. Keep in mind:
- If your former spouse isn’t fully vested at the time of the divorce, part of the employer match may not be included in your share.
- Your QDRO can state that you (as the alternate payee) will only receive the portion your spouse was vested in as of the division date.
Vesting and Forfeited Amounts
Since you’ll only receive vested amounts, it’s essential to determine:
- The participant’s length of service with Hanson communications, Inc..
- The company’s specific vesting schedule (a typical schedule might be 20% per year over five years).
- Whether the division date occurs before or after full vesting—which can significantly impact the size of your award.
Loan Balances: Who’s Responsible?
Many 401(k) participants take loans from their accounts. If a loan is outstanding during your divorce, it’s important to address who will be responsible. Your QDRO can specify whether:
- You’ll receive your share minus the loan (so you don’t take on any responsibility).
- The loan is considered the participant’s separate debt, and your awarded share is calculated excluding the loan amount.
A good QDRO will specify exactly how the loan affects the distribution. Don’t assume the plan will resolve this for you.
Roth vs. Traditional Balances
The Hanson Communications 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan may contain both traditional pre-tax 401(k) contributions and post-tax Roth contributions. These are treated differently during division:
- Your QDRO should specify whether Roth and traditional balances are divided proportionally or treated separately.
- Be aware: Roth distributions are tax-free, but traditional balances may be taxed upon withdrawal.
At PeacockQDROs, we always ask our clients whether both account types exist, and we tailor the QDRO to match each type’s rules.
Documentation and Process Required
To properly draft and process your QDRO for the Hanson Communications 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan, here’s what’s needed:
- Participant’s name and contact information
- Alternate payee’s information
- Exact plan name: Hanson Communications 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan
- Plan number and EIN (must be requested if not on hand)
- Whether there are any loans, and how they should be factored in
- Clear language on how to split Roth vs. traditional balances
- Specified division method (percentage, dollar amount, or formula)
We also recommend submitting the order to the plan for preapproval if they allow it. This can save time and reduce the chances of rejection.
Why QDRO Language Matters
Incorrect or vague QDRO language could delay your distribution or lead to an outright rejection. Issues we frequently see include:
- Failing to identify the correct employer or plan
- Not addressing vesting properly
- Omitting loan balances
- Assuming Roth vs. traditional balances are treated the same
Learn more about these common mistakes in our article on common QDRO pitfalls.
Our Process at PeacockQDROs
At PeacockQDROs, we’ve completed thousands of QDROs from start to finish. That means we don’t just draft the order and leave you to figure out the rest. We handle the drafting, preapproval (if applicable), court filing, submission, and follow-up with the plan administrator. That’s what sets us apart from firms that only prepare the document and hand it off to you.
We maintain near-perfect reviews and pride ourselves on a track record of doing things the right way. From confirming confusing plan details like those missing for the Hanson Communications 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan to interpreting employer contribution rules, we’re here to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Wondering how long this might take? Read our article on the 5 QDRO time factors.
Final Tips for Spouses Dividing the Hanson Communications 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan
- Start the process as early as possible.
- Make sure you know if your spouse has both Roth and traditional accounts.
- Ask for the vesting status and any plan documentation.
- Hire a QDRO attorney who will handle every step—not just the drafting.
Let Us Help with Your QDRO
If your divorce was in California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, or North Dakota, and you have questions about qualified domestic relations orders or dividing retirement assets like the Hanson Communications 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan, contact PeacockQDROs. We specialize in QDROs and have successfully processed thousands of orders from start to finish.
Get the answers you need—explore our QDRO resources or reach out for personalized help if you’re in one of our service states.