QDRO for 401k

[Browns1977]

My divorce awarded me 1/2 of my spouse's 401k and allowed for a QDRO to be entered. The 401k administrator mailed me a QDRO template (fill in the blanks...etc). My divorce attorney has told me that he does not do QDRO's. Since it does not take a genius to fill in the appropriate information, can I file the QDRO myself or do I need an attorney? My spouse is okay with doing it ourselves, if possible.

[Attorney Howard Iken]

You can do it yourself. There is some safety in using the form provided by a specific plan administrator.

But keep in mind that QDRO preparation is a specialty. There are some complex rules. That is why most attorneys push it off onto a specialist.

And after you prepare the document it will still need to be signed by your judge.

[Browns1977]

So where does one find help in getting the form filed / signed by a judge? Do you just go to the clerk's office?

[Attorney Howard Iken]

Just bring the completed QDRO to the final hearing.