If you are going through a divorce, then you have likely heard about Qualified Domestic Relations Orders or QDROs. A QDRO is a legal order that allows one spouse to divide retirement account assets with the other spouse. If you are considering a divorce in Arizona, it is important to understand how QDROs work and how they can benefit you. Here are five fast facts about QDROs in Arizona: 

Fact#1:   A QDRO can only be issued after the divorce is finalized.

A QDRO can only be issued after the divorce is finalized. This means that if you want to divide your retirement assets during your divorce, you need to plan. You should speak with your attorney about obtaining a QDRO as part of your divorce settlement. Once the QDRO is issued, it will be sent to the retirement plan administrator. The administrator will then divide the assets according to the terms of the QDRO. If you have any questions about how this process works, you should speak with your attorney or financial advisor.

Fact #2: You can use a QDRO to divide any type of retirement account.

A QDRO can be used to divide any type of retirement account, including 401(k)s, pensions, and IRAs. You can also use a QDRO to divide non-retirement assets, such as stocks and bonds. A QDRO is a legal document that is filed with the court. The document spells out how the retirement assets will be divided between the two parties. The QDRO will also specify how the payments will be made from the retirement account. Once the QDRO is approved by the court, it will be sent to the retirement plan administrator. The administrator will then make the necessary changes to the account. This process can take several weeks or even months. In some cases, the retirement plan administrator may charge a fee for processing the QDRO.

Fact #3: QDROs are not taxed.

The money that is distributed from a retirement account pursuant to a QDRO is not taxed. This is because the money is considered to be a transfer of assets between spouses. However, the money that is distributed from a retirement account may be subject to state and federal taxes. You should speak with your financial advisor or tax preparer to determine if the money you receive from a QDRO will be subject to taxes.

Fact  #4: You can use a QDRO to waive spousal support payments.

In some cases, a QDRO can be used to waive spousal support payments. This means that the spouse who is receiving support payments does not have to pay taxes on the money. This can be a benefit for both parties. If you are considering waiving spousal support payments, you should speak with your attorney or financial advisor. There may be other factors to consider, such as whether or not you are still eligible for other tax benefits. However, in general, waiving spousal support payments can help to reduce the overall tax burden for both parties.

Fact  #5: You can use a QDRO to change the beneficiary of a retirement account.

Many people are not aware that they can use a QDRO to change the beneficiary of a retirement account. This can be an extremely beneficial tool, especially if you want to make sure that your spouse receives the money from the account after you die. While it is important to speak with your financial advisor or attorney to determine if this is an option for you, it is something worth exploring. After all, your retirement account is one of the most important assets that you have and you want to make sure that it is protected. Changing the beneficiary on the account may be just the thing you need to do to give yourself and your family peace of mind.

If you are going through a divorce in Arizona and have questions about how QDROs will work for you, please give us a call. We can help guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Our team is experienced in handling all aspects of family law and we would be happy to assist you. Divorce is never easy, but with the help of our team, we can make the process as smooth as possible for you and your loved ones.

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