Divorced individuals – especially divorced women and/or survivors of domestic violence– are at a greater risk for poverty in old age. A share of a former spouse’s retirement benefit can help, but the process of dividing retirement benefits at divorce is very complex. Former spouses must obtain a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). However, many family law attorneys do not feel comfortable getting involved in the QDRO process because it involves knowledge of the retirement system and complex federal laws beyond state domestic relations law.
This webinar series will offer family law attorneys an overview of QDROs and retirement plans, the obstacles that former spouses can encounter when trying to obtain one, and ways that family law attorneys who do not specialize in QDROs can nevertheless help clients navigate the QDRO process, including special considerations for attorneys representing victims of domestic violence.