Definition
A qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) means a domestic relations order (DRO) which creates or recognizes the existence of an alternate payee’s right to ( or assigns to an alternate payee the right to) receive all or a portion of the benefits payable with respect to a participant under a plan, and meets the following requirements:
It must clearly specify the following:
- the name and the last known mailing address (if any) of the participant and the name and mailing address of each alternate payee covered by the order,
- the amount or percentage of the participant’s benefits to be paid by the plan to each such alternate payee, or the manner in which such amount or percentage is to be determined,
- the number of payments or period to which such order applies, and
- each plan to which such order applies.
And meet the following requirements
- does not require a plan to provide any type or form of benefits, or any option, not otherwise provided under the plan,
- does not require the plan to provide increased benefits (determined on the basis of actuarial value), and
- does not require the payment of benefits to an alternate payee which are required to be paid to another alternate payee under another order previously determined to be a qualified domestic relations order.
QDROs are issued for qualified plans, 403(b) plans and 457 plans
Referring Cite
IRC §414(p)(1); ERISA §206(d)(3)(B)
Additional Helpful Information
- Distributions paid directly to alternate payees are not subject to the 10% early distribution penalty. However, if the spouse or former spouse alternate payee rolls over the amount to his/her own IRA or other retirement account, and then takes a distribution from that account, the distribution will be subject to the 10% early distribution penalty, unless he/she is at least age 59 ½ when the distribution occurs or qualify for an exception to the penalty. Cite: Internal Revenue Code (IRC) § 72(t)(2)(C).
- A common mistake is for QDROs to be prepared for IRAs. However, QDROs do not apply to IRAs. IRC §414(p)(9)