This page is for information only.
Qualified Domestic Relations and other Pension Orders are only prepared under the direction and on behalf of legal counsel.
Hoffman Divorce Strategies handles the preparation and qualification of Qualified Domestic Relations, Military Pension Division Orders, State, Federal and Other Pension Division Orders for attorneys on behalf of their clients. We work with attorneys and their clients to process the order and make sure that it is approved by the pension administrator.
Orders and related documents are e-delivered by secure Share File™ allowing a three-day turnaround from our office once payment, division instructions, plan procedures and suggested QDRO formats have been received.
Scope of Services
- Review of substantive provisions of division of pension benefits
negotiated by Parties’ legal counsel, Plan procedures and preparation of
Orders for Attorney review - One correction of Order as requested by Counsel
- Submission to Plan for pre-review, if applicable
- One correction of Order to comply with Plan Administrator review
- Submission of corrected Order to Counsel for signing and filing
- Transmission of Court-certified Order to Plan Administrator
It is the general policy of Hoffman Divorce Strategies to have draft Orders conditionally pre-approved by the Plan Administrator. Some Plans will not pre-approve an order and others have long approval times. Most plans can pre-approve an order in a timely manner. Conditional Pre-approval does not constitute formal approval and qualification by the Plan.
QDRO Process Overview
Division of Qualified Domestic Relations Order and other Pension Orders must follow specific processes which can take an estimated time ranging from 106 to 154 business days. This process requires coordinated actions between both parties and their attorneys, the plan administrator, and a judge.
- Receive RetainerAgreement, payment, and personal information from client and QDRO Procedures and Suggested Formats from Plan.
- (interim) 7 – 10 business days
- Prepare first draft of Order and submit to attorneys for review.
- (interim) 20 – 30 business days (attorney-driven)
- After approval by attorneys, submit Order to Plan Administrator for review before signature. (Some Plan Administrators will not pre-review.)
- (processing, mailing) 3 business days.
- (interim) 30 – 45 business days (administrator-driven)
- After review by Plan Administrator return to attorneys for signature by attorneys, spouses, and Judge.
- (processing) 3 business days.
- (interim) 20 – 30 business days (attorney-driven)
- Receive court-certified Order from attorney and USPS Second Day to Plan Administrator for approval and segregation of funds.
- (processing) 3 business days.
- (interim) 20 -30 business days (administrator-driven)
- Obtain copy of receipt, approval, and interpretation letter from Administrator.
- Optional meeting with spouse to review and assist with transfers to personal account and/or beginning of monthly benefits.
Pricing
Military Retirement Court Orders
$1,200
Defined Benefit Plan QDRO
$850
Defined Contribution Plan QDRO
$640
IRA Letter of Instruction
$300
Hourly Fee Schedule (subject to approval in writing)
$325