FOR INDIVIDUALS/
IN PRO PER
Learn how we work with clients moving forward on their own without legal representation.
HERE'S the thing...If you've come this far, the hard part is nearly over. The divorce decree is written and negotiations all but complete. The divorce process can cloud much of the joy in life, but you're reaching the horizon.
​
If you've found your way to our site, it's likely you need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order before you're free from the entanglements of divorce. To you, we say: 'WELCOME!'
​
We are here to help.
Our staff has been drafting and filing QDRO's for the last 15 years and our goal is to make a very technical process as easy as it can be. We offer our services to law firms and individuals alike; same fair price, same impeccable service.
If you are representing yourself (In Pro Per) we can offer you paralegal and document services without the hefty legal fees. Though we aren't lawyers and can't offer legal advice, we can complete all the document drafting and filing whenever you need it.
Often people wait to file these orders, understandably procrastinating for years to avoid the challenging process of splitting retirement assets. The more time passes, the harder it gets for Plan Administrators and record keepers to do their jobs, and the longer it takes for you to move forward.
​
Q.L.S. has the tools to get you past this last step.
​
SOME TERMS & DEFINITIONS
What do you need from us?
All we need need from your team is a completed QLS Engagement Letter and the client’s issued Divorce Decree(in the case of QDRO’s) to get started! Our team will handle as much of the contact with Plan Administrators as possible.
qdro
A Qualified Domestic Relations Order is a judicial order in the United States, entered as part of a property division in a divorce or legal separation. It divides a retirement plan or pension plan by recognizing joint marital ownership interests in the plan. QDROs apply only to employee benefit plans subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and must first be issued by a State-level domestic relations court.
OUR PROCESS & F.A.Q.
What type of QDROs do you draft?
We process all retirement plans, i.e., 401(k) plans, profit sharing plans, pension plans, and 403(b) plans, individual retirement plans, and supplemental plans.
How do I know if I need a QDRO?
If the judge has entitled you or your spouse to a benefit in your divorce decree, it is likely that a QDRO will be necessary. A benefit can be defined as monies awarded to a former spouse in the form of a 401(k), Pension, individual retirement or investment plan. It is important to note that not all Individual Retirement Plans need QDRO’s to be distributed and sometimes a final judgment along with corporate forms is sufficient. Our expertise can ensure that you don’t waste any time or money on unnecessary efforts.
What do you need from me?
A signed QLS Engagement Agreement, Release for Information Form and Final Divorce Decree, Property Settlement Agreement, or Judgment. Contact us, and we will help you with the next steps.
Can Q.L.S. represent me?
Our team cannot legally represent you in a court of law or arbitration, but we know people who can! If the choice to represent yourself is a daunting one, we can refer you to excellent legal counsel to suit your specific needs. Ask us who we work with!
How long does it take to draft and process a QDRO?
We take no longer than 14 days to draft and submit a QDRO to the Plan Administrator for pre-approval. Once a company has received the court certified order, they have up to 30 days to review.
How long before I receive my benefit once the QDRO process is complete?
Once the plan administrator receives the certified order, they will contact you within 30 days with distribution options and paperwork. Here are some of the options:
​
- If the plan allows for a lump sum distribution, the Alternate Payee will receive funds as soon as administratively feasible from the Plan.
​
- The funds may be rolled over into a recipient's individual 401(k) qualified or investment plan.
​
- Cash (The recipient should note that if a complete or partial withdrawal is taken from the account, and you are younger than 59 ½ years old, a 20% income tax withholding will be imposed and a 10% penalty will be applied). It would be helpful to discuss your awarded benefit with an accountant.
​