Introduction
Dividing retirement accounts like the Redstone Print & Mail, Inc.. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan & Trust during a divorce requires more than just a property settlement agreement. To split these funds legally and avoid tax consequences or early withdrawal penalties, you need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). At PeacockQDROs, we’ve handled thousands of QDROs from start to finish. That includes drafting, preapproval (if applicable), court filing, submission, and follow-up with the plan administrator. In this article, we’ll focus on the key elements of dividing the Redstone Print & Mail, Inc.. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan & Trust through a QDRO.
What Is a QDRO?
A QDRO is a court order that directs a retirement plan administrator to pay a portion of a retirement plan to a former spouse (called the “alternate payee”) during or after a divorce. Without a QDRO, the plan cannot legally make payments to the non-participant spouse — and the participant could be penalized for early withdrawals.
The Redstone Print & Mail, Inc.. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan & Trust is a type of defined contribution plan. That means the value is based on account balances, not a fixed monthly pension. These are more straightforward to divide than pensions, but they come with their own issues such as loan balances, vesting rules, and Roth vs. traditional contributions—all of which must be addressed in your QDRO.
Plan-Specific Details for the Redstone Print & Mail, Inc.. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan & Trust
Here’s what we know about the plan based on available public information:
- Plan Name: Redstone Print & Mail, Inc.. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan & Trust
- Sponsor: Redstone print & mail, Inc.. 401(k) profit sharing plan & trust
- Address: 20250731101901NAL0005879873001, 2024-01-01
- EIN: Unknown (required for the QDRO – this would need to be confirmed by the plan administrator or participant)
- Plan Number: Unknown (also required)
- Industry: General Business
- Organization Type: Corporation
- Participants: Unknown
- Plan Year: Unknown to Unknown
- Effective Date: Unknown
- Status: Active
This is a private employer plan offered by a corporation in the general business industry. Because the plan number and EIN are not listed publicly, these must be requested from either the plan participant or plan sponsor before you submit your QDRO. The QDRO itself cannot be approved or implemented without this basic identifying information.
Dividing Employee and Employer Contributions
In 401(k) plans like this one, both the employee and the employer may contribute to the participant’s retirement account. In a divorce, the QDRO can allocate a portion of the full account balance (including all contributions and investment gains) to the alternate payee.
However, it’s important to consider:
- Employee Contributions: These are always 100% vested and available to divide.
- Employer Contributions: These often have a vesting schedule and may not be fully owned by the participant. Only the vested portion can be divided by QDRO unless otherwise negotiated between the parties.
Vesting Schedules
Employer-contributed amounts may be subject to a vesting schedule—a timeline during which the participant earns rights to the funds. If the participant is not fully vested at the date of divorce, the QDRO should specify whether the alternate payee is getting a portion of the vested balance only, or a percentage of the account that includes potential future vesting. This distinction can have a significant impact down the road.
How 401(k) Loan Balances Affect the QDRO
If the participant has taken out a loan against their Redstone Print & Mail, Inc.. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan & Trust, the loan reduces the account balance. The QDRO must indicate whether the loan balance will be included or excluded from the alternate payee’s share.
For example, if the total account balance is $100,000 and there’s a $10,000 loan, the net balance is $90,000. If the QDRO awards 50% of the account to the alternate payee:
- 50% of the gross = $50,000 (calculated on $100,000)
- 50% of the net = $45,000 (calculated on $90,000)
This is a key QDRO drafting decision, and it must be made consciously to avoid conflict later.
Traditional vs. Roth 401(k) Contributions
Some participants may have both traditional and Roth 401(k) funds in their account. This matters because:
- Traditional 401(k): Contributions are pre-tax; withdrawals are fully taxable.
- Roth 401(k): Contributions are after-tax; qualified withdrawals are tax-free.
Your QDRO needs to specify whether the alternate payee will receive a proportional share of each type or only one. If you don’t mention this in the order, the plan may either reject the QDRO or make its own assumptions—which may not match your intent.
Steps to Divide the Redstone Print & Mail, Inc.. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan & Trust
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to divide this specific plan through a QDRO:
- Gather plan details from the participant, including plan number and EIN.
- Confirm vesting of employer contributions as of the division date.
- Identify whether there are outstanding loans and how they will factor into the division.
- Determine if the account includes Roth contributions, and decide how to split them.
- Draft a QDRO tailored to the Redstone Print & Mail, Inc.. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan & Trust.
- Submit for preapproval by the plan administrator (if they offer it).
- File the QDRO with your divorce court and obtain the judge’s signature.
- Send the signed QDRO to the plan administrator for final approval and processing.
Each step is critical. Missing documentation, using vague language, or failing to clarify treatment of loans or Roth funds are common errors. Learn more about common QDRO mistakes here.
Why Experience Matters When Drafting a QDRO
At PeacockQDROs, we’ve processed thousands of QDROs—and not just by drafting them. We handle every step, including follow-up with often slow-moving plan administrators. That’s where most DIY efforts or less experienced firms run into trouble.
We maintain near-perfect reviews because we do things the right way. You can read more about our services or get started on your QDRO here: https://www.peacockesq.com/qdros/
How Long Will It Take?
Each QDRO is different. Some plans process quickly, while others take months due to slow internal review. The time it takes depends on five key factors. Read our breakdown here: 5 Factors That Determine QDRO Timing.
Final Thoughts
Dividing a 401(k) plan during divorce isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a legal one with long-term tax and retirement implications. The Redstone Print & Mail, Inc.. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan & Trust has complexities in its structure that make clear, detailed QDRO drafting essential.
Whether you’re concerned about unvested employer money, a large loan balance, or Roth contributions, the decisions you make now will affect your retirement later. Protect your rights and avoid costly mistakes.
Talk to the Experts in QDROs
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 Redstone Print & Mail, Inc.. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan & Trust, contact PeacockQDROs. We specialize in QDROs and have successfully processed thousands of orders from start to finish.
Get the answers you need—explore our QDRO resources or reach out for personalized help if you’re in one of our service states.