Description

Introduction to QDROs in Divorce

CQS II draws attention to the basics of preparing most QDROs within the private sector.

Following is an outline of the topics covered:

Introduction to QDROs & Related Court Orders

Introduction

QDRO Requirements & Special Terms

Beginning a Draft QDRO

Must a Plan Provide QDRO Guidelines?

Information Needed to Prepare a Basic QDRO

QDRO Process

Timing of QDROs & Posthumous QDROs

Types of QDROs & Benefit Division Methods

Types of QDROs – Separate vs. Shared Interest QDROs

Benefit & Payment Options Under a Defined Benefit Plan

Implementing a QDRO – 8 Simple Steps

Top 10 Reasons Plans Will Reject a QDRO

Basic Defined Contribution Plan QDROs

Differences in 401(k)s, Profit Sharing Plans, & ESOPs

Valuation Dates

Earnings, Gains and/or Losses

Impact of Loans & Loan Language

Timing of Distributions

Preparing your Defined Contribution Plan QDRO

QDROs for IRAs

Basic Defined Benefit Plan QDROs

Traditional Defined Benefit Pension Plan vs. Cash Balance Plan

Types of Awards

Separate vs. Shared Interest

Accounting for Contingencies, disability, death of either party

Cost of Living Adjustments

Preparing Your Defined Benefit Plan QDRO

Third Party QDRO Administrators

Introduction

Hewitt Orders

Fidelity QDROs

Voya

PBGC QDROs          

Purpose of the PBGC

PBGC Defined Benefit QDRO

Using QDROs to Collateralize Debt 

Security vs. Risk

Expanding on Child Support & Child Support Arrearages

Reserving Jurisdiction for Entry of a QDRO

Entry of a QDRO prior to divorce

Suggested Settlement Agreement Language

For Defined Benefit Plans (Pensions)

For Defined Contribution Plans

For Federal Retirement Systems

For Military Retired Pay

QDRO Liability Issues

Entry of the QDRO

Survivor Benefits

Gains & Losses/Valuation Date

Use of Model QDROs

Sample QDROs

The first end of module test fee for each module is included in the module fee. Subsequent retakes of the end of module exam is charged separately. The Final Certification Exam Fee, and any subsequent retake certification exams, is an additional charge. Modules and exams are subject to a 5.75% sales tax in addition to the fee itself.If the candidate does not pass the first end of module exam with a score of 70% or better, the Module Exam will have to be retaken with a Retake Fee of $20

To be become a Certified QDRO Specialist the candidate must pass the final exam with a score of 70% or better. The cost to take the final exam is less expensive if the final exam is taken online. If your company or industry requires the exam to be proctored AACQP utilizes the services of SMT/ISO Quality Testing, Inc. (IQT) with locations around the U.S. CQS Online Final Certification Exam (non-proctored) $242, Proctored Final Certification Exam $290. Retake fee for online exam is $75 and for Proctored retake exam fee is $140. Certification is not granted based on the purchase of only the final exam.

Annual Membership to AACQP: To join the American Association of Certified QDRO Professionals, it is not necessary to have completed the certification process. Members that have completed the course pay a lower annual fee ($125) than affiliated members ($225), however, both are entitled to the same benefits, which includes updates/newsletters, resources, and periodic consultation on specific issues.