A Mistake in Your QDRO Can Cost You Thousands. We Make Sure It Doesn’t.
A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)—or a similar court order —divides retirement plans like 401(k)s, pensions, or other retirement assets after a divorce. Done right, it protects your share without triggering taxes, penalties or delays.
Not every attorney handles QDROs—but we do, and we do it with precision. From identifying which accounts need to be divided, to drafting the order, working with plan administrators, and filing with the court, we handle the details so nothing gets missed.
Whether you need us to simply draft the order or to prepare, file, and submit the full set of paperwork, we’re here to help at the level you need. And whether we handled your divorce or you’re just coming to us for the QDRO, our goal remains the same: to protect your financial future through a process that’s efficient, accurate, and stress-free.
Don’t Leave Your Retirement to Guesswork.
Your financial future—whether you’re receiving a share or transferring one—is too important to risk on a rushed or incorrect QDRO. Call now to schedule your free Initial Consultation. We’ll make sure it’s done right, with no delays, penalties, or unnecessary stress.
FAQ
All pension plans are eligible, including private pension and benefit plans. These include 401(K), 403(b), 457, TIAA/CREF, and defined benefit monthly payment. Any federal and state civil service plans, military retirement pay, Railroad Retirement Plans, and IRA’s may also divide into similar orders.
Delaying a QDRO could run the risk of forfeiting all benefits awarded to you in your divorce. Should your former spouse do any of the following before the QDRO is submitted, you may lose all rights:
- Quits or is fired from their employment
- Dies or retires
- Remarries
- Withdraws funds from the plan before retirement
- Takes a secured loan against the plan account.
Yes, but you risk having your QDRO rejected by the plan administrator. A legally enforceable Qualified Domestic Relations Order must be approved by the plan administrator and signed by a judge. Not all family law attorneys will have the knowledge or experience in drafting a good QDRO. Blattner Family Law Group can help you prepare the QDRO and ensure that it is approved.
HERE’S A QUICK SUMMARY
A Qualified Domestic Relations Order isn’t just paperwork. It’s your retirement. Trust the firm who’s done it hundreds of times, not someone learning on your dime.
When a retirement plan requires it, a QDRO—or similar order—is the only way to divide it legally. No exceptions. No shortcuts
A divorce decree isn’t enough. Without a QDRO, retirement benefits can vanish.
For a QDRO to be valid, its terms must match the language in your Property Settlement Agreement or Judgment of Absolute Divorce. If they don’t align, the order may be rejected—and your rights to the retirement asset could be lost.
Splitting retirement plans is common. So are costly errors unless you have a professional.
Most attorneys can’t draft a QDRO. We can and we’ve done it hundreds of times.
Even seasoned lawyers struggle with QDROs. That’s why clients come to us.
Don’t just hire a divorce attorney. Hire one who knows QDROs inside and out.
If your QDRO isn’t airtight, you could lose your share. We know the process. We speak the language. Start with a free initial consultation.