| name | qdro-draft |
| title | QDRO Drafting |
| description | Drafts Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) compliant with ERISA §206(d)(3) and IRC §414(p) to divide retirement benefits in divorce. Covers defined benefit pensions, 401(k)s, and defined contribution plans with plan-specific division formulas and alternate payee protections. Use when drafting QDROs, dividing retirement assets post-judgment, or preparing domestic relations orders for plan administrator review. |
| author | CaseMark |
| author_url | https://github.com/CaseMark/skills/tree/main/skills/legal/qdro-draft |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| version | 0.1.0 |
| execution_mode | open |
| jurisdiction | us |
| practice | family |
| language | en |
QDRO Drafting
Produces a court-ready QDRO dividing retirement benefits between participant and alternate payee pursuant to a divorce decree, compliant with ERISA and the specific plan's requirements.
Prerequisites
Gather before drafting:
- Divorce decree / MSA — case number, filing date, retirement benefit provisions
- Plan documents — exact IRS-registered plan name, plan number, type (DB/DC/401(k)), administrator contact, any model QDRO language
- Party info — full legal names, DOBs, SSNs, current addresses (both parties)
- Key dates — marriage, separation, agreed valuation date
- Division terms — percentage or dollar amount, method (shared payment vs. separate interest for DB), treatment of earnings/losses between valuation and segregation
Quick Start
- Confirm plan type (DB vs. DC) — structures differ fundamentally
- Obtain plan administrator's model QDRO language if available
- Draft using the output structure below, matching local court caption rules
- Submit to plan administrator for pre-approval review before filing
Output Structure
1. Court Caption & Recitals
- Match caption to local court rules of divorce jurisdiction
- Reference divorce decree by exact date and case number
- State order is intended to qualify under ERISA §206(d)(3) and IRC §414(p)
- Include three mandatory ERISA findings:
| Finding | Authority |
|---|
| Does not require increased benefits | §206(d)(3)(D)(i) |
| Does not require benefit type/form not provided by plan | §206(d)(3)(D)(ii) |
| Does not require benefits already assigned to another alternate payee | §206(d)(3)(D)(iii) |
2. Definitions
Define at minimum: Participant, Alternate Payee, Plan (full legal name + number), Plan Administrator (entity + address), Valuation Date, Accrued Benefit or Account Balance (per plan type).
For DB plans, also define: Marital Coverture Fraction (months married during participation ÷ total participation months), Benefit Commencement Date.
3. Division Methodology
Defined Contribution (401(k), 403(b)):
- Exact percentage or dollar amount as of valuation date
- Gains/losses from valuation through segregation
- Whether alternate payee directs investments post-segregation
