Egelhoff v. Egelhoff, a Minor, by and Through Her Natural Parent, Breiner — Breyer, J., Dissenting

Summary

Justice Breyer dissents, arguing the Washington statute does not conflict with ERISA because it serves as a gap-filler for silent plan documents and aligns with employee intent. He asserts the majority ignores the presumption against preemption in traditional state fields like family property law. Justice Scalia concurred but expressed uncertainty about the 'relate to' clause's scope.