At QDRO Consultants, LLC we are committed to providing our clients with the best local service possible.  To insure we reach this goal, we have established a “5-Step QDRO Process”:

Step 1: Obtain Information.     The QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order) process begins with completion of the following: our QDRO Checklist, a copy of the Divorce Decree or Separation Agreement, the Summary Plan Description and Written QDRO Procedures.  If need be, we will contact the Plan to obtain any additional information.

Step 2: Drafting and Initial Approval of QDRO.     Upon receiving all necessary information, we will draft the Order.  The Order will then be sent to both parties and/or their attorneys for review and approval.  You will need to review the draft carefully, making sure all information is accurate.  If questions or corrections arise, please contact us.  At this point, do not sign the Order.

Step 3: Plan Administrator Draft Approval.    Upon the parties’ approval, the Order draft is sent to the retirement plan for pre-approval.  If changes are requested by the Plan, both parties and/or their attorneys will be notified.  Changes in the Order in this phase happen about 50% of the time, so don’t be concerned if you receive a letter from the Plan stating changes are being requested.  The changes usually involve minor wording changes, which will not affect the amount.  Once the changes are completed, the Order, along with a list of changes, will be sent back to both parties and/or their attorneys for approval.  Division Orders for Military and Federal civil service pensions and some corporate Plans cannot be reviewed as drafts by the Plans.  Thus, in those instances, Step 3 is not needed and we proceed to Step 4.

Step 4: Judge’s Signature.     Once the Order is approved in draft form by the Plan, we will send you a corrected copy, which should be signed by the parties and/or their attorneys.  The Order is then submitted to the Court to be signed by the judge.

Step 5: Certified QDRO Copy.     After the QDRO is signed by the Judge, a signed/certified copy will be obtained.  The signed/certified Order and Addendum are then sent to the Plan for final approval, acceptance and processing.  Copies of the signed/certified QDRO will also be sent to both parties, along with the Addendum (personal information sheet and plan contact information).

With the use of the above “5-Step QDRO Process”, QDRO Consultants strives to assure the completion of your QDRO is done in a timely, accurate and stress-free manner.  Please feel free to contact us by email, fax or phone with your upcoming QDRO requests.  We will be happy to provider references.