Dividing Judges' Retirement System (JRS I & II) Benefits in Divorce
The division of retirement benefits is a critical issue in California divorce cases, particularly for judges enrolled in the Judges’ Retirement System (JRS I & II). These benefits are often one of the most substantial assets in a divorce, making it essential to understand how they are classified, divided, and legally protected.
Understanding JRS I & JRS II
The Judges’ Retirement System (JRS) is divided into two distinct plans:
- JRS I: Covers judges appointed or elected before November 9, 1994. This system operates under older regulations and offers more generous benefits.
- JRS II: Applies to judges appointed or elected on or after November 9, 1994, with a different contribution structure and benefit formula.
Both plans provide retirement, disability, death, and survivor benefits, but they are subject to different rules when it comes to divorce settlements.
How Are JRS Benefits Divided in Divorce?
Under California’s community property laws, retirement benefits accrued during a marriage are considered community property and must be equitably divided upon divorce.
1. Identifying the Community Property Share
The portion of JRS benefits earned during the marriage is subject to division. Any contributions and service credits accrued before or after the marriage remain separate property.
2. The Time Rule Formula
California courts typically apply the “Time Rule” formula to calculate the marital share of JRS benefits. This method divides the number of years of service during the marriage by the total number of years of judicial service to determine the percentage of the benefit that qualifies as community property.
3. Implementing the Division
Once the community portion is determined, it is generally split equally between both spouses. However, alternative agreements—such as offsetting the value with other assets—can be negotiated.
The Role of a Domestic Relations Order (DRO)
Unlike private retirement plans governed by ERISA, JRS benefits require a Domestic Relations Order (DRO) rather than a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). A DRO is a court-approved document instructing JRS on how to distribute benefits between the judge and their former spouse.
A properly drafted DRO must include:
- The names and identifying details of both parties
- The exact amount or percentage of the benefit awarded to the alternate payee
- The duration and method of payment
Failure to correctly draft and submit a DRO can lead to significant delays and complications in receiving the benefits.
Steps to Secure Your Share of JRS Benefits
If you are involved in a divorce where JRS benefits are at stake, here’s what you need to do:
- Notify JRS and CalPERS: Inform them of the divorce to prevent unauthorized distributions.
- Join JRS and CalPERS: File a formal joinder, as is required by California law, as the first step in the DRO.
- Draft a Precise DRO: Ensure the DRO aligns with JRS requirements and California law and send to CalPERS for pre-approval.
- Obtain Court Approval: Submit the DRO to the court for review and approval.
- Submit to JRS for Processing: Provide the certified order to JRS for implementation.
Protect Your Rights with Experienced Legal Counsel
Dividing JRS benefits is a complex process requiring precise legal expertise. Any mistakes in classification, calculation, or documentation can result in financial loss and prolonged disputes. At Peacock Law, we specialize in high-asset divorce cases, ensuring that retirement benefits are divided fairly and in accordance with California law.
If you need expert legal guidance on dividing JRS benefits in divorce, contact Peacock Law today for a confidential consultation.
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Attorneys & Staff
William "willie" peacock, Esq.
Willie is an attorney licensed to practice in California since 2011. He has since added admissions in Missouri, New York, New Jersey, Iowa, Kansas, Connecticut, and North Dakota.
He was born and raised in Missouri, went to high school and college in California, and returned there after attending the prestigious Washington and Lee University, School of Law in Lexington, Virginia. He relocated to New York and relaunched his law firm in 2018, focusing exclusively on retirement—estate planning and division of retirement accounts through qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs).
He has written for Thomson Reuters, Clio, and California Lawyer, and his writings have been cited by the American Bar Association, Above the Law, and other leading legal publications.
He is currently rated a perfect 10.0 by Avvo.com, and more importantly, has a perfect 5-star rating from his past clients on all major review sites.
