QDRO: I need a what??
What does QDRO stand for anyway?
QDRO, pronounced quadro, stands for Qualified Domestic Relations Order. If part of your divorce settlement includes a division of retirement assets held with a current or former employer, you may need a QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order) or similar document, depending on the retirement plan. A QDRO is a document that gets filed with the plan administrator that tells the plan how the account will be divided.
A Costly Mistake
One of the mistakes that I see people make when dividing assets, is simply dividing each account down the middle. Seems like it would be fair, right? While it might be fair, it may also cause you to incur more costs than you would, if you were a little more creative about your settlement.
There are a couple of costs to consider. There is a cost to having someone draft the QDRO, which generally ranges from $450-$1000. Additionally, each plan charges an administrative fee on their side as well. That fee generally ranges from $350-$1000. Thus, if you are dividing up several plans, the administrative process may become costly.
Important things to know about QDRO's:
Know What the Retirement Plan Allows
You must know what the plan that is being divided allows and does not allow. Engage a CDFA to facilitate the QDRO drafting early on in the process. That way, when you are negotiating your settlement, you know your options.
QDROs are not submitted until after the divorce is final
The QDRO (or similar order) does not get submitted until after the divorce has been finalized as the judge must sign off on it. They can sign off on it the same day that they finalize the settlement. However, that's only an option if the QDRO is drafted in advance.
It can take a while to get money using a QDRO
Because the QDRO can't be submitted to the plan until after the judge signs it, it will likely be at least a month after your divorce is finalized before you have access to the funds. The plan needs time for their attorney to review the document and approve the change in ownership. It takes much longer if the QDRO does not even get drafted until after the divorce is final.
It is also common for a QDRO to require a revision after the plan's attorney has reviewed it if it's determined that the order doesn't comply with the plan's requirements. If that's the case, the judge will need to sign off on it again and the process starts over adding additional time.
You may be able to avoid tax penalties
When receiving retirement funds as part of your divorce settlement via a QDRO, you have the opportunity to take cash out of a retirement account before age 59.5 without having to pay an IRS 10% penalty. (Taxes will still need to be paid on the amount withdrawn from a pre-tax account.) Talk to your CDFA about the best way to handle retirement funds you are receiving as part of a divorce settlement.
Don't delay
Complete the division of assets as soon as possible once you have the decree. There are several circumstances that can occur in the meantime if you wait (e.g., the employer changes plan providers or the market drops substantially). This can make it particularly difficult if you need cash from the account.
About Intentional Divorce Solutions
At Intentional Divorce Solutions, we're committed to guiding individuals through the complexities of divorce with an approach centered on empowered choices and respectful outcomes. Our team provides comprehensive support and expertise in several key areas:
- Divorce Financial Planning and Analysis: Providing in-depth financial insights and strategies for a secure future post-divorce.
- Divorce Mediation: Facilitating respectful and balanced negotiations to reach mutually beneficial resolutions.
- Divorce Coaching: Offering personalized support and guidance to help you navigate through emotional and practical challenges of divorce.
- Divorce Support Groups: Creating a space for sharing experiences and finding strength in community support.
Please Note: We focus on providing support and solutions in various aspects of divorce. However, we are not attorneys and do not offer legal advice.
Work With Us
If you are on the journey of divorce and seeking professional, empathetic support, we are here to assist you. Reach out to us to discover how our services can be adapted to your unique needs, empowering you to make informed decisions for respectful and positive outcomes.
Stay connected with news and updates!
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.
