Dividing Retirement Assets in Divorce: QDROs, Traps, Tricks and Military Mayhem (Update)

For most divorces, retirement accounts represent a significant portion of the marital estate. However, dividing these assets is far from straightforward, especially with the complexities surrounding QDROs (Qualified Domestic Relations Orders) and other types of division orders. Attorneys handling divorce cases must be familiar with federal regulations like ERISA, the nuances of state property division laws, and strategies to avoid costly mistakes.

In this program, William Peacock, an experienced QDRO attorney, will demystify QDRO terminology, explain the key legal and procedural risks, and offer actionable strategies for successful retirement asset division. Special attention will be given to common pitfalls, tracing issues in defined contribution plans, and military-specific retirement concerns. Whether you're a family law attorney or a general practitioner encountering QDROs occasionally, this course will help you handle these matters with greater confidence and skill.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify different types of retirement plans and understand how they are divided in divorce
2. Define best practices for dividing defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans, and military pensions
3. Recognize malpractice traps and procedural pitfalls when handling QDROs, including plan hold notices and adverse interest letters
4. Apply advanced techniques for handling complex cases, such as offsets, equalizations, and buyouts involving retirement accounts
5. Discuss military pension division issues, including the Frozen Benefit Rule, VA disability waivers, and recent legal changes