Five Things To Know About QDROs

After a divorce, there is still another important document to file: a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO). A QDRO can ensure that you will not face tax penalties for early disbursement of retirement benefits. It also protects your rights to what you were awarded in the divorce.

Below are five things you should know about QDROs. If you have additional questions, please reach out to me, and I can talk you through the process.

You Shouldn’t Wait To File A QDRO

Waiting to file a QDRO may result in the loss of your rights and, potentially, the loss of the benefits you won in the divorce. Your ex-spouse could take many actions before you draft a QDRO, including:

Retiring from their job
Quitting or losing their job
Withdrawing money or taking out a loan from the account

There are other reasons beyond your control that could affect your access to your benefits. For example, your ex could remarry. He or she could pass away. That is why it’s so important to file a QDRO in a timely manner.

The Spouse Receiving The Benefits Should File The QDRO

People often ask who should file the QDRO in their case. Most of the time, it should be the spouse who is receiving benefits from the other spouse.

What happens when both spouses have retirement assets? If you and your spouse both have these types of assets, you may want to discuss which of you is entitled to each of the assets. In this case, you would file the QDRO jointly. However, if you can’t agree on this, the spouse with the least assets should file the QDRO.

What Type Of Assets Does A QDRO Protect?

QDROs cover many types of retirement accounts, including:

Pensions
401(k)s and 403(b) plans
457 plans
Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plans
Profit-sharing plans
Employee stock ownership plans (ESOP)
Deferred compensation plans
Tax-sheltered annuities
Business or corporate defined benefit plans

If you do not see your type of account listed here, please contact my firm to learn whether your account is appropriate for a QDRO.

QDROs Can Be Used For More Than Property Division

People typically think of a QDRO as a tool used in divorce to divide the marital assets, but it also has other uses. Retirement assets may be used for spousal support or child support. The tax implications vary depending on who receives the assets. A former spouse who receives them must report the payments like a plan participant, whereas the plan participant is taxed when the assets go to a child. I understand that this can be confusing, so I will explain the tax considerations in your specific case.

You Need An Experienced Lawyer To Draft A QDRO

Due to the complexity of QDROs, it is best not to attempt to draft one on your own. You also do not want an inexperienced attorney to draft a QDRO. Some of the potential risks include:

Significant tax and early distribution penalties
Minor wording changes or mistakes that can cost you hefty legal fees
Failure to identify all retirement assets
Failure to understand and follow state regulations

All these risks can cost you considerable money that was critical to your overall post-divorce financial well-being.

Speak With Me To Learn More About How I Can Help With QDROs

I have the experience to assist you with QDROs. Please contact The Cavall Law Firm, PLLC, in Williamsville at 716-259-9687 today. You may also contact me online.