QDROS

QDROs Lawyers in Columbia, Maryland

THE LAW

Federal and state law allow for a variety of retirement orders that can be used to divide assets without early withdraw penalties, tax implications or other consequences.

In a Maryland divorce matter, the court can award or the parties can agree that one spouse will receive a share of the other spouse’s retirement benefits, such as:

  • 401(k)
  • 403(b)
  • IRA
  • TSP
  • pension
  • FERS
  • Maryland State Retirement System Pension

Additionally, the court can order the garnishment of a retirement account to pay child support or alimony.  However, to accomplish these transfers, a specific order is required depending on the type of retirement account to be divided.

For example:

  • a 401(k) will require a Qualified Domestic Relations Order
  • a federal thrift savings plan will require a Retirement Benefits Order
  • the federal FERS pension requires a Court Order Acceptable for Processing

Additionally, other financial benefits from employment may require a court order to effectuate the terms of the parties’ final settlement agreement or the court’s final order.

ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY FLAG

Retirement Orders have specific requirements, and the plan administrator may have extensive paperwork that must be reviewed to prepare an order that complies with both the plan’s requirements and applicable federal and state law.

Sarah Novak Nesbitt, Managing Attorney of FLAG’s Family Law Division, has extensive experience preparing these orders.  She is one of the few attorneys in the State of Maryland who prepares these very specialized Orders and receives referrals from many family law attorneys for assistance.  She has prepared over one thousand QDRO orders with an expertise second to none. 

Unlike the other services offered by FLAG, these orders are prepared for a flat fee, which includes:

  • necessary communication with Sarah
  • the drafting of the order
  • any revisions agreed to by the divorce attorneys or required by the plan
  • the service of the order on the plan

Protect your rights to retirement benefits after your divorce.

Call our office (410) 884-0400 to schedule an Initial Consultation to discuss your legal rights.

Click to read our Blog articles on QDROs. 

Our Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Have to Say
  • "Ms. Jessica Keister is a fantastic attorney! She cares so much about her clients!  She helped me with my divorce and was both professional and empathetic. Her advice was on point and led to a good outcome for me and my family."
    Susan
  • "Michael was very responsive to our communication, organized, prepared, knowledgeable and provided excellent advocacy in the courtroom."
    Jean and Tom
  • "Emily was fantastic to work with! She walked me through every step along the way and made sure I was comfortable with what was happening. She is patient, kind, and understanding but also fights for what her client deserves."
    Becky
  • "I was very nervous coming into this situation as my divorce & custody of my children were paramount! Jessica was quick, prompt, thorough & punctual! She reassured me that she would do everything in her power to have a decision made in my favor."
    Mark
  • "Sarah has the unique ability to get right to the point and tell it ” like it is” while also being sensitive and considerate, which means that she isn’t wasting time and racking up needless billable hours."
    Janine
  • "I hired Emily for a very difficult incredibly complicated divorce and child custody case, and she could not have been more supportive and attentive throughout it. She will leave no stone unturned and fight for you and your children's best interest."
    Michael
  • "Ms. Thomas was a pleasure to work with during my case. She was an excellent advocate for my son and won my case for him. He now has all the help he needs in school because of her determination."
    Toula

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