As a QDRO attorney with extensive experience in family law, I frequently encounter clients frustrated by ex-spouses who fail to pay court-ordered obligations. “My ex isn’t paying the property settlement, support, or reimbursements—what can I do?” is a question I hear all too often. The good news? Qualified Domestic Relations […]
As a dedicated QDRO attorney, I’ve reviewed thousands of marital settlement agreements (MSAs) and judgments. One thing is clear: Retirement division is full of pitfalls that can cost you dearly in lost benefits, unexpected taxes, or unequal splits. Whether it’s vague language that leaves survivor benefits unprotected or offsetting accounts […]
Top 10 QDRO Mistakes to Avoid in Your California Divorce: ...
As a QDRO attorney dedicated to helping clients navigate the intricacies of retirement division in divorce, one of the most perplexing issues I encounter is how to handle outstanding loans against defined contribution plans like 401(k)s. Clients often say, “We don’t have to worry about the loan because I already […]
Navigating 401(k) Loans in California Divorces: Avoiding Double Payments, Tax ...
Navigating CalPERS Pension Division in Divorce: Model Order A (Separate Account) vs. Model Order B (Shared Interest) As a QDRO attorney, one of the most frequent questions I receive from clients involving CalPERS pensions is: “What’s the difference between “Model Order B” keeping a shared interest in my ex’s pension […]
Navigating CalPERS Pension Division in Divorce: Model Order A (Separate ...
As a specialized QDRO attorney with years of experience in family law, I’ve guided countless clients through the complexities of retirement benefits and divorce, including the often misunderstood process of bifurcation. Bifurcation allows couples to terminate their marital status early—essentially getting “divorced” on paper—while reserving other issues like property division, […]
Bifurcation in California Divorces: Terminating Marital Status While Safeguarding Retirement ...
As a QDRO attorney with years of experience helping clients navigate complex divorce settlements in California, I often hear the same question: “Why do I have to share my ex-spouse’s pension enhancements that happened after we separated? Isn’t that my separate property?” It’s a common point of confusion—and frustration—for many […]
Why Post-Separation Pension Enhancements Are Shared in California Divorces: A ...
Did you know if you use 401(k) funds to pay off community bills after date of separation, if you don’t mention and account for those transactions-you will in most cases end up overpaying your ex during the QDRO process? Did you know you can pull out money from your 401(k) […]
QDRO 401(k) Tips and Traps
Are you worried that your former spouse is going to ‘cash out’ their account? Want to know the best strategies to stop them? Then this podcast is for you. Also-here is a sample of some language you can put into a letter and send to the plan administrator (remember-the best […]
How Do I Freeze Up My Former Spouse’s Retirement Accounts ...
Have you been offered a ‘buyout’ from your ex to not touch their pension plan? Have you thought about ‘just taking your own retirement account and letting your ex take theirs’? What about getting your child support or spousal support arrears ‘paid off’ through the QDRO process? If you have…you […]
Offsetting, Equalizations, and Buyouts-OH MY!
Did you know CalPERS and CalSTRS are different retirement systems that follow different rules? For example-do you know which of these systems allows for a modification of survivor benefits post retirement after a ‘life event’ such as a dissolution of marriage? If you are not confident on your knowledge of […]