You worked hard to earn your pension, so worry about your future after divorce makes sense. A collaborative divorce lets you split your marital property peacefully without the stress of a trial. Paying attention to paperwork details protects your retirement checks...
Serving Rome, New York residents with legal issues
Qualified Domestic Relations Order
5 ways to keep your retirement money safe
Divorcing in New York often means splitting retirement accounts that took decades to build during your marriage. While a divorce decree may say that you are entitled to a share, many workplace plans (like 401(k)s and pensions) require a Qualified Domestic Relations...
Documents to gather before meeting with a QDRO attorney
Meeting with a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) attorney is an important step toward dividing retirement benefits after divorce. Bringing the right records can help your lawyer understand your situation and make the most of your first meeting. Here are some...
The importance of future-proofing your QDRO terms
Navigating asset division during a divorce in New York is often one of the most stressful parts of the process. The long-term security of your retirement benefits hinges on a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). A QDRO provides a precise financial blueprint that...
DIY QDROs: Is it possible in New York?
Addressing the multiple aspects of divorce can be overwhelming. One part you should not ever skip is the Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). This court order outlines the division of retirement plans between you and your spouse. If your current attorney does...
Is it too late to claim your share of a pension?
Many people think their financial ties are severed once a divorce is final. However, you may realize years later that you never received your share of an ex-spouse's pension. This usually happens because a Qualified Domestic Relations Order was never filed. While New...
Missing QDROs after divorce: What New Yorkers should do
When a couple separates, the two parties primarily focus on custody, spousal support and property division. Retirement accounts are often overlooked despite their significant value. Many former spouses in New York realize late that their attorney did not handle...
What is the 18-month QDRO hold and how does it protect me?
The finalization of a divorce is often mistaken for the final step in property division. This is simply not true when retirement accounts are in the mix. You will encounter the term Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), and with it, the 18-month hold period. This...
Flawed QDROs: 5 Common errors that can leave you stranded
Dividing retirement benefits during a divorce is one of the most technical and high-stakes parts of the process. Discussions about pensions, 401(k) plans or other retirement accounts require great care. In New York, these divisions often rely on a Qualified Domestic...
Could there be a penalty after splitting a 401(k) with a QDRO?
There are many benefits to funding a 401(k) account. The professional making deposits into the account can diminish their taxable income for the year. Their contributions involved pre-tax income. The funds set aside for retirement are then subject to income tax later...
