When is a QDRO needed to transfer or distribute retirement benefits?
A. Pension plan benefits payable to an employee spouse under an ERISA plan can be redirected to an alternate payee non-employee spouse only through the mechanism of a Qualified Domestic Relations Order or QDRO. Absent such a qualified order, not only will the pension plan administrator refuse to implement the court’s decision, but there is at least a reasonable argument that a non-qualified order may be invalid even as between the parties.
