Introduction: Why QDROs Matter in Divorce
When a marriage ends, retirement accounts are often one of the biggest and most complicated assets to divide. The Novum Structures, LLC 401(k) Retirement Plan is no exception. If either spouse earned retirement benefits through this plan, dividing them correctly during divorce requires a qualified domestic relations order—known as a QDRO.
At PeacockQDROs, we’ve completed thousands of QDROs from start to finish. That means we don’t just draft the order and leave you to figure out the rest. We handle the drafting, preapproval (if applicable), court filing, submission, and follow-up with the plan administrator. That’s what sets us apart from firms that only prepare the document and hand it off to you.
This article explains how QDROs work specifically for the Novum Structures, LLC 401(k) Retirement Plan, including what to watch out for with loans, unvested contributions, Roth vs. traditional buckets, and more.
Plan-Specific Details for the Novum Structures, LLC 401(k) Retirement Plan
Understanding the plan details is the foundation for preparing a valid QDRO. Here’s what we know about this specific plan:
- Plan Name: Novum Structures, LLC 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Sponsor: Novum structures, LLC 401(k) retirement plan
- Address: 20250724090709NAL0010909954001, 2024-01-01, 2024-12-31, 1992-04-01
- EIN: Unknown (required for QDRO submission—may require contacting Plan Administrator)
- Plan Number: Unknown (also required for QDRO preparation—must be confirmed)
- Industry: General Business
- Organization Type: Business Entity
- Participants: Unknown
- Plan Year: Unknown to Unknown
- Effective Date: Unknown
- Status: Active
- Assets: Unknown
Since this is a 401(k) plan tied to a business entity in general business, you’re likely dealing with both employee deferrals and employer contributions. These plans often offer pre-tax and Roth contribution options, plus the potential for plan loans. All of this must be considered in the divorce process.
Understanding a QDRO: What It Does and Why You Need One
You can’t just write your divorce agreement and expect the Novum Structures, LLC 401(k) Retirement Plan to divide assets based on that. Without a valid QDRO, the plan administrator legally can’t pay retirement benefits to a former spouse. A QDRO formally directs the plan how to split the benefits.
Key functions of a QDRO include:
- Identifying who the alternate payee is (the spouse receiving part of the benefit)
- Stating the exact method of division (percentage, dollar amount, etc.)
- Clarifying account types—Traditional 401(k) vs. Roth
- Addressing how to treat outstanding loans
- Factoring in vesting schedules for employer contributions
Dividing Employee and Employer Contributions
Like many 401(k) plans, this plan likely includes:
- Employee elective deferrals (which are always 100% vested)
- Employer matching or profit-sharing contributions (which may be subject to vesting)
In divorce, employee contributions are divided based on what was earned during the marriage. However, employer contributions may not all be available if the participating spouse isn’t fully vested at the date of division. If the divorce happens early in employment, only partially vested employer contributions may be available for division—or in some cases, none at all.
A properly drafted QDRO will specify whether it only divides vested balances or allows for post-divorce forfeitures or vesting corrections. This is critical because if vesting isn’t fully clarified, the receiving spouse may get less than expected.
Addressing Loan Balances
It’s very common for employees to take loans from their 401(k), and the Novum Structures, LLC 401(k) Retirement Plan may allow this. Here’s what you need to know:
- Loan amounts reduce the account balance available for division
- The QDRO must state whether division is based on the gross account (including loans) or net account (after subtracting loans)
- Plan administrators will not deduct loan obligations from the alternate payee’s share unless explicitly instructed in the QDRO
If the participant has a significant outstanding loan, failing to address it in the QDRO can create confusion—or worse, result in underpayment to the alternate payee.
Traditional vs. Roth Accounts
The Novum Structures, LLC 401(k) Retirement Plan may include both pre-tax (Traditional) and after-tax (Roth) contributions. These need to be treated independently when dividing assets.
Why it matters:
- Roth 401(k) funds have already been taxed—withdrawals are generally tax-free
- Traditional 401(k) balances are taxable upon distribution
A good QDRO clearly spells out how each account type is to be divided. If one party wants a larger share of one account over another for tax planning, make sure the QDRO reflects that.
Timing: When and How to Get a QDRO in Place
Timing can affect the value and availability of retirement assets. That’s why you should start the QDRO process as early as possible during or immediately after divorce.
Use our guide to understand the timing: 5 factors that determine how long it takes to get a QDRO done.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to the Novum Structures, LLC 401(k) Retirement Plan, we’ve seen a few recurring mistakes:
- Failing to list the correct plan number and EIN (you must contact the plan administrator if these are missing)
- Not distinguishing between Roth and Traditional balances
- Overlooking loan balances, which can impact what’s actually available to divide
- Ignoring vesting schedules, which might result in the alternate payee receiving far less than anticipated
To see more pitfalls you should avoid, check out: Common QDRO mistakes.
We Take the Guesswork Out of Dividing This Plan
If you’re dividing the Novum Structures, LLC 401(k) Retirement Plan, don’t leave anything to chance. At PeacockQDROs, we handle the full QDRO process—from contacting the plan sponsor to ensuring the court-approved order is implemented correctly. Our track record? Near-perfect reviews and a reputation for getting things done the right way.
See how our process works: QDRO resources.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
To begin drafting a QDRO for the Novum Structures, LLC 401(k) Retirement Plan, gather the following:
- Participant’s name and last known address
- Alternate payee’s name and address
- The exact plan name—“Novum Structures, LLC 401(k) Retirement Plan”
- The Plan’s number and EIN (contact the sponsor: Novum structures, LLC 401(k) retirement plan)
- Date of marriage and date of separation (for marital portion calculations)
Once you have those details, reach out and we’ll take over from there.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
If your divorce is final and no QDRO has been entered, you’re at risk of losing your share of the Novum Structures, LLC 401(k) Retirement Plan. These orders must be properly court-approved and accepted by the plan—delay can cause costly mistakes.
Ready to get started? Contact PeacockQDROs.
Final Thoughts
Dividing the Novum Structures, LLC 401(k) Retirement Plan is not as simple as splitting a bank account. Between vesting rules, loans, multiple account types, and tax consequences, this plan requires a detailed and experienced QDRO approach. At PeacockQDROs, we’ve seen it all and know exactly how to handle plans just like this one the right way, the first time.
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 Novum Structures, LLC 401(k) Retirement 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.