Protecting Retirement from Divorce Attorneys in Reno, NV

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Reno's Top Lawyers for Retirement Assets from Divorce

Divorce can be a complex and emotionally charged process, often involving the division of assets accumulated during the marriage, including retirement savings. At Carlson & Work, we understand the importance of safeguarding your financial future and retirement security during this challenging time.

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Client Testimonials

Excellent

Carlson & Work5.0

Based on 155 reviews

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janet F.

2 years ago

I can't say enough about Kathleen Mangan and her team. I had a very difficult divorce situation which included needing a protection order and from the first moment I contacted Kathleen and her team, my anxiety was reduced. Not only did it take a fraction of the time I expected it to, the communication I received the entire time was top notch. She empowered me to be strong and do what was necessary to cross the finish line successfully while at the same time ensuring my safety. If you need an attorney who will ensure your best interests are at the forefront, who will take the time to educate you along the way on what your responsibility is and who truly has the expertise needed to successfully navigate the judicial system requirements effectively, then you want Kathleen and her team. Worth every penny and they will be on my list of my things to be thankful for every year from this point on! I wish they had a scale that went higher than 5 star here - Kathleen and her team more than exceeded my expectations and I would give them a million stars!

Response from the owner:Thank you, Janet! You were such a joy to work with and the entire staff adores you!

Ashley G.

2 years ago

Long and tough battle but I had a winning firm in my corner. Hands down the best divorce lawyers in Reno.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your experience with our law firm.

Xóchitl G.

3 years ago

I can’t think this group of people enough. Going through divorce was one of the most challenging. Of my life, and yet they got me through it! We accomplished everything we set out to and more.

Luis Enrique M.

3 years ago

Going through a divorce and custody battle is obviously the last thing anyone wants to be dealing with. Thankfully, I found Lauren. She handled my divorce and visitation case with kindness and compassion. Thank you all so much!

Nayeli O.

3 years ago

I recently went through a family law case that involved a two-year long divorce. Within three months, a two year divorce battle was resolved. Once I retained this firm. They are to the point and treated my custody case with the attention I would have expected!

Carlos G.

3 years ago

If you’re looking for the best family law lawyer, in town, look no further than Rebecca! She handled my divorce in Reno with kindness, compassion, and grace. Dealing with a divorce and child visitation is never easy, but she handled it with a gentle touch.

Jorge

3 years ago

I recently had the opportunity to work with Carlson & Work for my divorce proceedings, and I must say, their team exceeded all my expectations. From the very first consultation, it was clear that they were not just exceptionally professional but also genuinely compassionate and understanding. Going through a divorce can be an emotionally taxing experience, but the kindness and patience demonstrated by everyone at Carlson & Work made a world of difference. They took the time to thoroughly understand my situation, providing not just legal advive but also a level of emotional support that was deeply appreciated.

Brandon F.

3 years ago

I requested a consultation for my recent divorce and child custody situation that became slightly complicated. I spoke with Matt Work and was overwhelmed with his honesty and realistic approach. I already had an idea about my situation and Matt confirmed my beliefs and presented realistic options and opinions about the matter. I appreciate Matt's direct approach and honest opinions about my situation. I would highly suggest this firm to anyone. It's obvious to me that this firm cares about the people they support and they wont BS you. Thank you Matt!

Jean B.

4 years ago

I recently had the opportunity to work with Phil Koci and Kenton Karrasch and was very impressed with the teamwork they both showed. Kenton initially handled the divorce portion of my case and then once things were complete to my extreme satisfaction, I was lucky enough to work with Phil to modify my estate and upgrade the estate documents. They were prompt, thorough and detailed with all of our correspondences. These people rock. I highly recommend Carlson & Work to anyone looking for a five star law firm !

Michael K.

4 years ago

10 Stars! I know lawyers get a bad wrap but this law firm ended up becoming more like family than a law firm to my family. I went through a very rough and heart breaking divorce. I felt totally lost. I can’t thank Rebecca Carlson and her team enough for being my North Star. Each step of the way, I knew what was going to happen and Rebecca’s dedication to me and my children is forever something I will be thankful for. If you were like me, scrolling through the list of lawyers to navigate the next couple rough months through, let me tell you, this is the best firm in Reno. No questions asked and there’s not even a close second. Thank you all!

ADRIAN MIGUEL RAMIREZ G.

1 month ago

Friendly staff, quality workmanship, and outstanding customer service. I will definitely recommend them to friends and family.

Kellie W.

2 months ago

Rebecca and her team are incredible! They offer the patience I needed during this hard time in my life. So thankful for Rebecca and Nichole!

Response from the owner:Awesome feedback. Thanks Kellie.

Jett H.

5 months ago

These guys dont mess around. Thorough and professional.

Response from the owner:Thanks for the review, Jett. We appreciate your kind note.

Kristen P.

1 year ago

Super professional and such an amazing experience!!! 100% recommend!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words!

Sadie C.

1 year ago

Matt was super great and incredibly kind! I 100% recommend!

Response from the owner:Thank you Sadie! Mr. Work really does fight for his clients!

Milly B.

1 year ago

Extremely professional

Response from the owner:Thank you, Milly

Caroline S.

1 year ago

Matt is professional, reliable, and very easy to work with. He communicates clearly, takes time to listen, and is highly respected for the way he handles his work. It’s clear he cares about people and goes above and beyond to help. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him.

Response from the owner:Appreciate the kind words, Caroline!

Richard T.

1 year ago

Best lawyer in Nevada! Always kind, communicative, and reliable

Response from the owner:Thank you!

Harrison H.

1 year ago

Very professional

Response from the owner:Thank you!

Mason L.

1 year ago

Never had a better experience with anyone in my life. The best lawyer by far WOW

Response from the owner:Thank you for the review, Mason!

Mike L.

1 year ago

Mathew Work has represented my business with honesty, determination, and real professionalism. He’s straightforward, no BS, and always focused on getting results. You can count on him to tell it like it is and to fight hard for your interests. If you want a smart, reliable attorney who gets the job done, Mathew is your guy.

Response from the owner:It's our pleasure. Thank you for your comments!

abhi A.

2 years ago

I recently consulted with Mr. Mathew Work regarding a legal matter and was thoroughly impressed by his professionalism and integrity. He attentively listened to my concerns, provided clear and honest advice, and demonstrated a genuine commitment to my best interests. His approach was both compassionate and insightful, making complex legal concepts easy to understand. I highly recommend Mr. Work to anyone seeking knowledgeable and trustworthy legal counsel. His integrity is outstanding

Response from the owner:This means a lot. Thank you for taking the time to share.

Brian C.

2 years ago

These are real people that know the ins and outs of the legal system to put families and regular people like me at ease. It’s effortless to be professional in this occupation, it’s harder to be personal, and Carlson & Work provide just that- legal knowledge and care for a community. Thanks Team, it’s forever appreciated.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Brian!

Oscar D.

2 years ago

Carlson & Work treat their clients, como familia. Their thoughtful approach of bringing complex issues to ease, is more than appreciated.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Mr. Delgado!

Alexander W.

2 years ago

If I could give 6 stars I would! I’m very grateful for the help I received from Carlson & Work. I appreciate their attention to detail and willingness to listen to what I expected and needed. I will definitely use them again. Great work from a local firm!!!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for the awesome review!

How to Protect Your Retirement Assets During Divorce

Your retirement savings represent years of hard work and planning for your future. Protecting these assets is essential to ensure you can enjoy a secure and comfortable retirement. Here are some key reasons why protecting retirement assets during divorce is crucial:

Maintaining Financial Independence: Protecting your retirement savings allows you to maintain financial independence and not rely solely on your spouse’s assets or support.
Ensuring a Comfortable Retirement: Divorce can disrupt retirement plans. Protecting your retirement assets helps you stay on track for the retirement lifestyle you envisioned.
Preserving Your Financial Well-Being: Retirement accounts often have tax implications and penalties for early withdrawal. Protecting these assets can help you avoid unnecessary financial losses.

Understanding Retirement Asset Division in Divorce

The division of retirement assets in divorce can be complex, as it involves understanding the type of retirement accounts, their value, and the applicable laws. Key considerations include:

Types of Retirement Accounts: Different types of retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions, and defined contribution plans, may have unique rules governing their division.
Valuation: Accurately assessing the value of retirement accounts at the time of divorce is crucial for fair asset division.
Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO): In many cases, a QDRO may be required to divide retirement assets without incurring penalties. This legal document outlines the distribution of retirement funds to both spouses.

Our Expertise in Protecting Retirement Assets

At Carlson & Work we specialize in family law and divorce cases, including the division of complex assets like retirement accounts. Our experienced team of attorneys will work closely with you to:

Assess the types and values of your retirement accounts.
Develop a comprehensive strategy to protect your retirement assets.
Ensure compliance with state and federal laws governing retirement asset division.
Advocate for your rights and interests during negotiations and in court if necessary.

Contact Reno Divorce Lawyers

If you are facing divorce and have concerns about protecting your retirement assets, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to provide you with expert legal guidance and support throughout the process, helping you secure your financial future.

Your retirement is a significant investment in your well-being, and we are committed to helping you protect it during this challenging time. Our team of dedicated Reno divorce attorneys can help you navigate the legal intricacies of protecting your retirement. We will work closely with you to develop a personalized strategy tailored to your unique circumstances.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult with our experienced attorneys for personalized legal counsel tailored to your specific situation.

Divorce & Family Law Blogs

Family & Divorce

How Is a Business Divided in a Nevada Divorce?

A business is not just another divorce asset. For many Reno owners, it is income, reputation, employee livelihood, retirement planning, and future security tied together.

July 21, 2026

Maybe you've Googled something like this before and closed the tab. Maybe you've told yourself it's not that bad, that plenty of couples handle money this way, that you're probably overreacting. Maybe you're reading this because something finally made you stop and wonder. A lot of people assume financial abuse means someone can’t make rent. And sometimes it does. But in high-net-worth marriages, it tends to look a lot quieter. It looks like a spouse who handles “all the finances” and doesn’t think you need to see the statements. It looks like asking permission before spending your own money. It looks like not knowing (even after years of marriage) what your household is actually worth. Having access to spending money is not the same as access to information, ownership, or the ability to walk out the door if you need to. How is financial abuse defined? The short version: it’s when one partner uses money (or the control of money) to limit what the other person can do, decide, or choose. That includes income, assets, debt, access to accounts, the ability to work. The goal, whether it’s conscious or not, is dependence. It can happen in any marriage. It’s particularly hard to see in affluent ones, because from the outside nothing looks wrong. Friends don’t ask questions. Family assumes everything is fine. And the person at the center of it doesn’t know this is happening to them for months or years down the road. Example of Financial Abuse in a High-Asset Marriage Here’s a common example we see in divorce cases: A spouse goes to charity events, takes the family on international trips, lives well by every external measure. They also have no idea what’s in the investment accounts. They’ve never seen the tax returns. They need to ask before making purchases over a few hundred dollars — and sometimes the answer is no, with no explanation. If they push back, the financial access gets tighter. We call that a gilded cage. A person appears materially comfortable on the outside but trapped on the inside. In a lot of these marriages, one spouse took the lead on finances because they ran a business, had a finance background, or just naturally took charge early on. There’s nothing wrong with dividing responsibilities. The problem is when “I handle the finances” quietly becomes “you don’t get to know about them.” There’s a difference between management and control. 7 Signs Worth Paying Close Attention To 1. You don’t have access to financial accounts Spouses trust each other with all kinds of things. What’s not normal is being locked out. If you sincerely don’t know what accounts exist, can’t see the investment statements, have never logged into a bank account during your marriage… that’s a problem. 2. You’re on an allowance Couples handle money in lots of different ways, and most arrangements are fine. But there’s a difference between “we have a budget” and “I receive money at my spouse’s discretion.” If every purchase requires approval and you feel like you’re spending someone else’s money — that’s not a budget. That’s control. 3. Working has been discouraged or made difficult This one’s sneaky. It doesn’t always sound like “you can’t work.” It sounds more like “we don’t need the money” or “your job is too stressful for the family.” The result is the same either way. You don’t have independent income, and leaving your spouse is that much harder. 4. You sign things you don’t understand High-asset families deal with a lot of paperwork like business agreements, trusts, investment documents, tax filings. That’s just the reality of having complex marital assets. But being handed things to sign without explanation, or being made to feel like asking questions is a nuisance, or being told “just trust me” repeatedly is a red flag. 5. Financial information is a closed subject Does money come up and your spouse deflects, gets irritated, or changes the subject? Are account statements somewhere you’ve never seen? Is “I’ll handle it” the answer to every financial question you ask? Secrecy isn’t the same as privacy. A marriage is a financial partnership, and partners get to know the books. 6. Money gets used as a reward or a threat When financial access is tied to behavior, that’s an issue. In some cases, we’ve seen spending get restricted after a disagreement. We’ve also seen cases where one spouse will leverage the other spouse and threaten support during a conflict. It can be hard to see clearly when it’s mixed in with real affection or care, but the dynamic is still there. 7. You feel like you couldn’t leave even if you wanted to Sometimes the clearest sign isn’t a behavior. It’s a sense that you have no idea how you’d support yourself. That leaving, financially, just isn’t possible. That feeling didn’t appear out of nowhere. In most cases, it was slowly built over time, sometimes deliberately. If you recognize yourself in any of this, please keep reading. Things Often Get Worse During a Divorce Before They Get Better For a lot of people, the financial control that existed quietly during the marriage becomes much more visible and aggressive once divorce is on the table. The person who handled the finances suddenly has a lot of motivation to make certain things harder to find. Common tactics in high-asset divorce cases include: • Moving or hiding assets before formal disclosure is required • Transferring business interests to obscure what they’re worth • Concealing cryptocurrency holdings or offshore accounts • Changing passwords or restricting account access • Running up spending to reduce what the marital estate looks like on paper • Dragging out the disclosure process None of this is unusual. Experienced divorce attorneys in Reno see it regularly. The point is to know it can happen, and to get the right legal support in place before it does. “I don’t even know what we have” We hear this often from people coming into a high-asset divorce: “I don’t know what’s out there” and “I’ve never seen the investment accounts.” Sometimes it’s “I know there are business interests but I’m not sure how to find them.” The good thing is, you don’t have to know before you start a Nevada divorce proceeding. Financial disclosures are mandatory in Nevada. Both parties have to provide information about income, assets, debts, and holdings. If a disclosure isn’t provided, attorneys have tactics like subpoenas, depositions, and court orders to obtain them. Forensic accountants can trace assets, identify inconsistencies, and find things that were hidden. Hidden assets in high-net-worth divorces can include offshore accounts, cryptocurrency, closely held business interests, stock options, trust interests, real estate, and deferred compensation arrangements. Finding them is a normal part of complex divorce litigation. A Quick Note on Nevada Community Property Law Nevada is a community property state. The quick version: most assets and debts acquired during the marriage belong to both of you. Those are subject to equal division in a divorce. That includes income, real estate, investments, and business interests built or grown during the marriage. However, the line between community and separate property gets complicated fast in high-net-worth divorces. Inheritances, premarital assets, trusts, and business ownership structures all require deep analysis. What you’re legally entitled to may be significantly more than you know, especially if you’ve been intentionally excluded. Every case is different, but that’s exactly why working with an attorney can help you understand your rights. What To Do Now You don’t have to wait until you’ve made a decision about your marriage to start learning. Here are useful steps as you begin thinking about your options: • Gather copies of any financial documents you can access like tax returns, bank statements, account statements, mortgage documents • Pull your credit report. This is a good place to start. It will show accounts and debts in your name that you may not be aware of. • Document anything you have in writing about financial conversations or patterns that concern you. • Open a personal account in your own name if you don’t already have one. • Keep copies of important personal records somewhere secure that only you can access. • Talk to a family law attorney. Even a single consultation can clarify a lot. Information is the most effective antidote to the kind of uncertainty that financial control creates. You don’t have to have everything figured out. Frequently asked questions What counts as financial abuse in a marriage? Any pattern where one spouse uses money or financial access to control the other. This includes denying account access, restricting employment, hiding assets, using financial support as leverage, or pressuring someone to sign documents they don’t understand. It doesn’t require poverty or hardship. What if I don’t have access to any of our financial records? You’re not required to come in with a full financial picture. Once divorce proceedings begin, your spouse is legally required to disclose. If they don’t, your attorney has legal tools to make that happen. Not knowing right now does not put you at a permanent disadvantage. Is financial abuse considered domestic abuse? Financial abuse is generally recognized as a form of domestic abuse. It often exists alongside other controlling behaviors, though it can also occur on its own. If you’re experiencing financial control along with emotional manipulation, isolation, or threats, speaking with both a legal professional and a domestic violence advocate may be a step in the right direction. If this Strikes a Chord, There’s Likely A Reason Financial abuse in high-asset marriages is real, it’s common, and it often goes unrecognized for a long time. Unfortunately, it’s a feature of how this kind of control works in practice. Healthy financial partnerships look like transparency, honesty, and shared access. If money in your marriage has felt more like fear, confusion, or a locked door, it’s worth taking seriously. The family law attorneys at Carlson & Work work with people across Northern Nevada who are entering into high-asset divorces, financial disclosure issues, hidden assets, property division, and the complicated reality of leaving a marriage where money was used as control. We’ve seen a lot. Your story is safe with us. You don’t need to have made a decision before you call. Schedule a confidential consultation and start asking the questions you’ve been sitting with.- Reno Divorce Attorneys - Carlson & Work

Family & Divorce

Signs You May Not Have Financial Freedom in Your Marriage

Maybe you’re reading this because something finally made you wonder, “is this normal?” Many people assume financial abuse means someone can’t make rent because of

June 8, 2026

Family & Divorce

Reno Divorce Without the Drama: How to Keep It Low-Conflict

You didn’t get married expecting to end up here. And now you’re trying to figure out how to get through this without blowing up your

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