Common Things To Remember For Pensions In Divorce

Make sure all these items are addressed when seeking a benefit award from former spouse's pension.

• Ask for the important information about your spouse's pension and retirement benefits timely.
• Obtain information about every retirement benefit that might be marital property.
• Obtain information about all pension plan features.
• Ask for a survivor benefit.
• Learn how retirement benefits are usually divided under state law.
• Be aware what your former husband might do that would reduce or eliminate your share of the benefits.
• Explain how your remarriage might affect your benefits. Explore unusual legal requirements or loopholes that could result in the pension order being rejected by the plan administrator.
• Have the proposed pension order pre-approved by the plan before being sent to court.
• Follow up to make sure that the final pension order is sent to the plan and officially accepted.

Evan Landau,

QDRO Technician