Family Law / Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)

A QDRO is one of the primary tools used to divide retirement benefits. It severs employee benefits earned through the employment either party and shows what percentage or amount to be awarded to an alternate payee (i.e., spouse, former spouse, child, or other dependent).

Drafting a QDRO is a complex and technical process which requires knowledge of a variety of complicated rules and regulations. The requirements differ greatly for corporations, teacher retirements, local, state and federal government plans, and military plans. In addition, Defined Contribution Plans, such as 401(k) Plans, and Defined Benefit Plans, such as pension plans, each have different and complex drafting requirements. Dependents of military members may also be entitled to receive benefits from Thrift Savings Plans and Survivor Benefit Plans, which we aggressively seek to obtain for clients who are eligible.