After getting married or having children (including adopted and stepchildren), a participant should immediately review, and possibly update, his or her retirement plan beneficiaries. Generally, the retirement plan can only pay benefits to a participant's named beneficiaries upon his or her death. Most plans require a married participant to obtain his or her spouse's written consent to change beneficiaries and/or the form in which the plan will pay out benefits. To change beneficiaries, the participant should: contact his or her employer or plan administrator to request change of beneficiary forms; complete those forms in accordance with their instructions, including obtaining his or her spouse's signature, if applicable; and submit the completed and signed forms to the employer or plan administrator. Additional Resources: Did you know that there are events in life that may have a significant tax impact?
