Qualified Domestic Relations Orders

Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)
Royal Oak Qualified Domestic Relations Order Lawyers

Family Law Lawyers Serving Clients in Southeast Michigan Since 1974


Qualified domestic relations orders are complex legal documents, and an incomplete or incorrect one can put your future financial security at risk. Since 1974, Melder & Melder, P.C. has helped people with complex transactional needs like these, and we have the experience to help you draft an effective qualified domestic relations order.


A qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) is a judgment, decree, or order included in a divorce judgment dealing with pension funds and/or an employee benefit plan. A QDRO or a similar legal order is used to split and change the ownership of retirement funds, making sure the employee's divorcing spouse receives their fair share of assets.

I Just Got Divorced. Why Do I Need to Get a QDRO Right Now?

If you delay in obtaining a QDRO, EDRO or other appropriate order, you may lose valuable rights and run the risk of forfeiting the benefits awarded to you in your divorce.

Get all of the necessary orders properly filed and in place as soon as possible. Delaying in moving forward may cost you all of your rights.

Types of Plans

Qualified domestic relations orders establish the non-employee's legal right to receive payments, or a designated percentage of the pension or employee benefit plan's account balance, for:

  • Alimony
  • Child support
  • Marital property rights for a spouse, former spouse, child, or other dependent of a participant

Our attorneys have experience with a broad range of plans, such as:

  • Private and corporate pension and benefit plans401(k)
  • 403(b)
  • 457 retirement plans
  • Defined benefit monthly payment
  • Military, federal, and state government plans
  • QCOs for military retired pay
  • QDROs for military and certain government retirement plans
  • TIDs for individual retirement accounts (IRAs)
  • COAPs and RBCOs for federal and state civil service plans

Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association/College Retirement Equity Fund (TIAA/CREF) accounts can be divided by a QDRO under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).

 IRAs may be divided by qualifying court orders for military retired pay under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act (USFSPA). We also help clients with state and county retirement plans known as Eligible Domestic Relations Orders (EDROs).

We provide more than just legal representation. We provide confidence that you are doing things right.

 For a free telephone consultation with one of our attorneys, call our Royal Oak law office contact us online with a brief description of your legal concerns.

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