Marriage, Divorce, & Family Changes

Life changes at home—like getting married, divorced, or having children—can impact your SCERS account and your survivor benefit planning. Keeping your records up-to-date ensures that your loved ones are protected and that your intentions are honored.

Getting Married or Entering a Domestic Partnership

If you get married or register a domestic partnership:

  • Your spouse or partner may be eligible to receive a monthly survivor benefit if you pass away before or after retirement
  • To qualify for a continuance benefit, your spouse or partner generally must have been in that status for at least one year prior to your death
  • You should submit a new Member’s Affidavit to update your beneficiary designation

SCERS does not automatically update your beneficiary when you get married. A new form must be submitted.

Divorce or Legal Separation

Divorce can affect your SCERS benefit in several ways:

  • Retirement benefits earned during the marriage may be considered community property
  • SCERS may require a court-issued Domestic Relations Order (DRO) to divide your account or direct future payments
  • You should update your Member’s Affidavit to reflect any change in beneficiary

If you fail to update your beneficiary after divorce, your former spouse may remain eligible to receive death benefits—even if that was not your intention.

SCERS offers model DRO language for your attorney or the court. Contact SCERS early in the divorce process for guidance.

Having or Adopting a Child

If you have or adopt a child:

  • You may want to update your Member’s Affidavit to include them as a beneficiary
  • Minor children may qualify for survivor benefits if you pass away before retirement, provided there is no eligible spouse or partner
  • If you name a child as a beneficiary for a lump-sum death benefit, SCERS recommends that you also name a custodian under the California Uniform Transfers to Minors Act

If no custodian is named, funds may be held under court supervision until the child reaches legal age.

Keeping Your Beneficiary Up to Date

You can update your beneficiary at any time by submitting a new Member’s Affidavit to SCERS. Your most recent valid form will override any previous ones.

Remember to review your designation:

  • After marriage, divorce, or birth/adoption of a child
  • If your named beneficiary passes away
  • Any time your wishes change

If no eligible survivor or named beneficiary exists, your benefits may default to your estate.