Qualified Domestic Relations Orders under ERISA: A Practical Guide to Dividing Retirement Benefits

Many Americans depend on retirement plans covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) for financial security in old age. When there is a divorce, it is very important that the divorce decree clearly and effectively addresses these retirement plan benefits.This guide from the Employee Benefits Security Administration gives practical tips on how to make sure ERISA-covered retirement benefits are divided through a valid QDRO, so you don't have to worry about getting the benefits you expected after your divorce. While the tips here are mainly aimed at individuals going through a divorce, they should also be useful to attorneys.