Why Most Firms Don’t Qualify for Free QDROs (And How Yours Can)
There’s a lot of buzz around “Free QDROs.” Some firms think they’ll qualify automatically. But most never will. Here’s why. Attorneys assume QDROs are the bottleneck in retirement division. But the truth is, the problem starts much earlier — at the settlement stage. Every week, we see the same mistakes: Using “marital share” language that […]
The Hidden Cost of “Equalization” in Divorce Settlements
In divorce cases involving retirement accounts, it’s common for attorneys to combine multiple accounts, calculate a net difference, and shift that amount from the largest plan to “equalize” the division. The intention is to simplify the process and save everyone time and money. But here’s the truth: what looks clean on paper often creates costly, […]
What Happens When Retirement Plans Don’t Track Gains — And Clients Move Money
“It should’ve been simple.” That’s what the attorney thought when the settlement was signed. But months later, the client called – confused and frustrated. They were looking at a retirement account balance that didn’t match the agreement. The market had grown. The other spouse moved funds. The plan didn’t track gains. And the language […]
What Are You Waiting For?
The clock is ticking, and every delay in finalizing QDROs or valuations puts your clients at greater risk. Here’s what’s already happeningin cases left unfinished: Market fluctuations are eating away their shareEvery swing in the market changes what your client is entitled to. That $250,000 they thought they were getting? It’s not the same anymore. […]
Who Are You Showing Up For?
In a divorce settlement, are you showing up for your client or for the adversary across the table? The Flawed Shortcut Here’s the traditional way when dividing retirement assets: “Let’s make it easy. Let’s equalize all the retirement plans, split them down the middle, transfer from an IRA… and boom, we’re done.” It feels like […]