Introduction
Dividing retirement assets in divorce can be tricky, especially when a 401(k) plan like the Beam Global 401(k) Plan is involved. If you or your spouse has an account in this plan, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is the legal tool you’ll need to divide those assets properly—and avoid unintended tax consequences.
At PeacockQDROs, we’ve handled thousands of QDROs from start to finish. That means we don’t just draft your order—we see it through court filing, preapproval (when applicable), and coordination with the plan administrator. That’s what sets us apart from firms that only prepare the document and offload the follow-through to you.
In this article, we’ll break down what divorcing couples need to know about QDROs and how they apply specifically to the Beam Global 401(k) Plan.
Plan-Specific Details for the Beam Global 401(k) Plan
Before filing a QDRO, it’s crucial to understand the unique elements of the plan. Here’s what we currently know about the Beam Global 401(k) Plan:
- Plan Name: Beam Global 401(k) Plan
- Sponsor: Unknown sponsor
- Address: 20250702200133NAL0000038193001, 2024-01-01
- EIN: Unknown
- Plan Number: Unknown
- Industry: General Business
- Organization Type: Business Entity
- Participants: Unknown
- Plan Year: Unknown to Unknown
- Effective Date: Unknown
- Status: Active
- Assets: Unknown
Because this is a 401(k) plan offered by a general business under a Business Entity, the QDRO rules will be based on standard ERISA-controlled qualifications—though each plan administrator may have their own QDRO procedures you’ll need to follow carefully.
What Is a QDRO and Why Do You Need One?
A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is a court-approved order that allows retirement funds, such as those in the Beam Global 401(k) Plan, to be legally divided in a divorce without triggering early withdrawal penalties or immediate tax consequences.
Without a QDRO, the division of 401(k) assets could result in heavy taxes and penalties for the participant, and the receiving spouse (also known as the alternate payee) may not get their lawful share.
Key Issues When Dividing the Beam Global 401(k) Plan
Not all QDROs are created equal, especially when dealing with a 401(k) plan. Here are four major areas to pay close attention to:
Division of Employee and Employer Contributions
When drafting a QDRO for the Beam Global 401(k) Plan, you need to be clear whether the alternate payee is receiving a share of:
- Employee contributions only
- Employer contributions
- Or both
Many plans include employer matches and even discretionary contributions. These amounts may be subject to a vesting schedule, which brings us to the next point.
Vesting Schedules and Unvested Amounts
Most 401(k) plans don’t fully vest employer contributions immediately. For example, the plan participant might only be 60% vested after four years on the job. A QDRO must make clear if the alternate payee is entitled only to vested portions—or if they should also receive future vesting based on the participant’s ongoing service, which is possible in some agreements.
Handling Outstanding Loan Balances
If the employee (participant) has taken out a loan from their Beam Global 401(k) Plan, that amount reduces the net available balance. When calculating the alternate payee’s portion, the QDRO can either:
- Divide the account before subtracting the loan balance
- Divide only the “net” account balance after the loan is deducted
This decision can significantly affect the alternate payee’s share.
Roth vs. Traditional Subaccounts
Like many modern 401(k) plans, the Beam Global 401(k) Plan may include both Roth and traditional (pre-tax) contributions. It’s vital to specify how each type is handled within the QDRO.
Roth 401(k) amounts have already been taxed and will grow tax-free. Traditional 401(k) amounts are taxed upon distribution. Mixing the two in the QDRO without clarity may cause major tax issues down the line.
Required Information and Documentation
Although the EIN and plan number are currently listed as unknown, this information will likely be required for processing. We can help clients retrieve the necessary identification information through plan documents, statements, or by contacting the plan administrator directly.
Other key documents you’ll need include:
- Final divorce judgment or marital settlement agreement
- Most recent participant 401(k) statement
- Address and contact information for the plan administrator
QDRO Submission and Approval Process
Step 1: Drafting Based on Plan Rules
The Beam Global 401(k) Plan may have unique formatting or language requirements for QDROs. Some employers provide a sample or “model” QDRO form—but these must often be modified to reflect your actual divorce agreement.
Step 2: Preapproval (if available)
Some plan administrators offer a preapproval process, where they’ll review the draft QDRO before it’s signed by the court. It’s a smart move if available; it saves time and reduces rejections later.
Step 3: Court Filing
Once finalized, the QDRO must be signed by the judge assigned to your divorce case. After court filing, the signed order must be submitted to the plan administrator for processing.
Step 4: Follow-up and Distribution
Sometimes, administrators delay processing or claim they never received the order. At PeacockQDROs, we stay on top of steps like this. We follow up for you until the alternate payee’s account is created or the direct rollover is issued.
Common QDRO Mistakes to Avoid
We frequently fix QDROs that were done wrong the first time. Want to avoid common errors like incorrect valuation dates, unclear loan treatment, or missing Roth designations?
Start here: Common QDRO Mistakes
How Long Does the QDRO Process Take?
It depends. Some plans approve QDROs within weeks, others take months. Much depends on how complete your information is, whether the plan accepts preapprovals, and how fast the court acts.
View the key timing considerations here: 5 Factors That Determine How Long QDROs Take
Why Choose PeacockQDROs for Your QDRO Needs?
We don’t stop at drafting the QDRO. At PeacockQDROs, we handle:
- Drafting a plan-compliant order
- Communicating with plan administrators
- Preapproval (when offered)
- Court filing and legal coordination
- Final submission and post-submission tracking
We maintain near-perfect reviews and pride ourselves on doing things the right way. If the Beam Global 401(k) Plan is on the table in your divorce, don’t risk mistakes that could cost you thousands or delay your payout by months.
Start the QDRO Process with Confidence
Ready to begin? Learn more on our main QDRO page: QDRO Services
Or ask us direct questions here: Contact Us
Final Thoughts
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 Beam Global 401(k) Plan, 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.