Spousal Consent

[Guest WPJoeC]

If a spouse waives his or her beneficiary right to a participant's account, does he or she need to provide spousal consent to any loan, in-service or hardship withdrawal? Can a spouse waive his or her beneficiary right permanently?

[ETA Consulting LLC]

That's a good question. I know that, generally, the spouse must consent to each beneficiary designation. I "think" they may do a blanket waiver, but would have to verify. The rules are in Section 417 of the Code.

Good Luck!