1. Determine the Division Formula
Decide whether to use a percentage or flat dollar amount. If using a percentage, specify the valuation date (such as the date of separation, date of dissolution, or another mutually agreed-upon date).
Dividing retirement accounts like the Thario Building Services 401(k) Plan in a divorce isn’t simple. With multiple account types, employer contributions, and possible outstanding loans, it’s critical to handle your Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) properly the first time. At PeacockQDROs, we’ve processed many QDROs from start to finish — we don’t just draft it and wish you luck. We guide our clients through every step, from drafting and court filing to plan submission and follow-through. This article walks you through the key issues you need to consider when dividing the Thario Building Services 401(k) Plan during divorce.
Because there are some unknowns in the public-facing details of the Thario Building Services 401(k) Plan — such as the EIN and plan number — obtaining those directly from the plan administrator is often necessary for finalizing the QDRO. Accuracy in documenting those details ensures the plan administrator won’t reject the order after submission, saving time and frustration.
The Thario Building Services 401(k) Plan is an employer-sponsored retirement plan that likely includes both employee and employer contributions. If you’re dividing this type of account in a divorce, the way the QDRO is structured must account for:
Each of these factors can affect the wording of the QDRO and ultimately how much (and what kind) of money the alternate payee will receive.
Employee contributions are always considered marital property if made during the marriage. These are the easiest to divide. Your QDRO should clearly spell out whether the alternate payee (usually the non-participant spouse) is receiving a flat dollar amount or a percentage of the account balance as of a certain date.
Here’s where things often get complicated. Employer contributions may not be fully “vested” yet. Every 401(k) has a vesting schedule that determines what portion of employer contributions actually belongs to the employee.
If the participant in the Thario Building Services 401(k) Plan isn’t fully vested, the alternate payee can only receive a share of the vested balance as of the division date. Unvested amounts can’t be transferred, and if they become vested later, a properly worded QDRO must anticipate and allocate those future amounts — or not, depending on the agreement.
401(k) plans often allow participants to borrow against their accounts, and outstanding loans can affect the true value of the account. If the participant has an outstanding loan in the Thario Building Services 401(k) Plan, it reduces the available funds for division.
There are two common approaches:
Your QDRO must state how to handle this — otherwise, it may be rejected or implemented incorrectly.
The Thario Building Services 401(k) Plan may include both traditional and Roth contributions. The difference matters:
A QDRO must state clearly which portion of the benefit (Roth vs. traditional) is being awarded or divided. If left ambiguous, the plan administrator may divide proportionally or reject the order entirely.
Decide whether to use a percentage or flat dollar amount. If using a percentage, specify the valuation date (such as the date of separation, date of dissolution, or another mutually agreed-upon date).
Make sure the QDRO explains whether it includes both employee and employer contributions, and whether unvested employer amounts are part of the award.
Clarify how any loans will be treated and whether Roth and traditional sub-account values are to be divided differently or together.
Use terms like “Alternate Payee,” “Participant,” “Plan Administrator,” and “Qualified Domestic Relations Order” correctly. Language absolutely matters.
Not all plans offer pre-approval, but if the Thario Building Services 401(k) Plan does, take advantage of it. This step helps ensure your QDRO won’t get rejected later.
At PeacockQDROs, we don’t stop at just drafting your order. We take it through the entire process:
That’s what makes us different from vendors who just send you a document and leave the rest up to you. We maintain near-perfect reviews and pride ourselves on a track record of doing things the right way.
Learn more about the QDRO process on ourQDRO services page, or read our advice on avoidingcommon QDRO mistakes.
Curious about timing? Several factors determine how long your QDRO will take from start to finish, including court schedules, plan responsiveness, and whether preapproval is available. Get an idea of the timeline by readingthis helpful breakdown.
Dividing the Thario Building Services 401(k) Plan requires careful QDRO drafting, especially when facing issues like vesting, loans, and multiple account types. Don’t assume a generic form will cover you — it won’t.
If your divorce was in California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, or North Dakota, and you have questions about qualified domestic relations orders or dividing retirement assets like the Thario Building Services 401(k) Plan, contact PeacockQDROs. We focus on QDROs and have successfully processed many orders from start to finish.
Get the answers you need—explore ourQDRO resources orreach out for personalized help if you’re in one of our service states.
Willie has handled hundreds of QDROs, been named as a stipulated or court-appointed expert in hundreds of orders, testified as an expert witness on QDROs and state government pension survivor benefits, and taught CLEs on QDROs, legal ethics, and military pensions. He is a three-time ABA award-winning legal author and secured a victory before the North Dakota Supreme Court. Full bio →