QDRO Review (for clients and attorneys) 

While we have been preparing QDROs for a long period of time, including COAPs, and military pension division orders, recently we have begun offering an added- an needed- service whereby we can review a QDRO prepared by someone else. We can provide you advice about the document and ensure that your interests are protected. We have had the privilege of reviewing and consulting on QDROs prepared by other attorneys, accountants, actuaries and other professionals. We have found many errors either in how the law or document was prepared, math, date or other errors (which would have significantly affected benefits) or even plans or parties being inaccurately or misnamed.  

How Can We Help with QDRO Review? 

If the opposing party has had their attorney or even their hired expert prepare the QDRO, you may wish to have someone working on your behalf review the QDRO. We will ensure that the Qualified Domestic Relations Order prepared is accurate. 

What kind of common mistakes do we frequently find and how can our review help? 

We can ensure that the correct amount of assets are distributed. It is important that the fair and accurate amount is provided- not more and not less than what the alternate payee is entitled to. 

We can help ensure that financial losses or errors do not occur that could result from an inaccurate transfer or other improper assets or entitlements being granted. 

We can ensure that all relevant tax implications are considered in the transfer document and that the tax burdens are not mistakenly or inaccurately shifted to the incorrect party.  

We can ensure that the QDRO is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

We can save you time, money and stress by ensuring that the transfer is done correctly the first time and the transfer of the funds is not unnecessarily delayed. 

What Does QDRO Review Cost for Flat Fee? 

For a flat fee of $350, we will review any defined benefit or defined contribution QDRO for legal and mathematical accuracy. We will advise you if we find an error, whether a mathematical, drafting or legal error and what can be done to correct it. We can provide a similar review for Federal Civil Service COAPs (Court Order Acceptable for Processing) and military pension division orders (MPDOs).  

What Do We Need to Perform a Review? 

We need a copy of the QDRO or other court order that has been prepared. Please do not send us an initial draft with blanks or other incomplete information, but rather wait until you are being asked to give final approval and the document is complete. In addition, we will need the underlying decree, order or judgment providing for the entry of the QDRO and finally some background facts with relevant information.  

At Pingel Family Law, we are a trusted solution for both, QDRO preparation and for QDRO review. Whether you are an attorney who practices family and domestic law or a private party, contact us today if we can assist you by reviewing a QDRO. We can serve you as an attorney, to help you better serve your clients or we can serve you as an individual.