QUALIFIED DOMESTIC RELATIONS ORDERS
QDROS
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) are used
in family law cases to divide a pension or other deferred
compensation plan of one of the parties. "QDROs" are
used only for private sector pensions and 401(k) plans
that are covered by federal law.
Other pension orders are used to divide public sector
pensions, 457 plans, thrift savings plans and military
pensions; and other public sector deferred
compensation plans. These are sometimes called
PADROs (Plan-Approved Domestic Relations Orders).
Pension orders sometimes award a spouse's share of a
pension or other plan in a lump sum, and sometimes as
a monthly benefit. There are generally choices as to how
to handle the payments after the death of either of the
parties. The attorneys can help you draft an order that is
appropriate for your situation.