Introduction
Dividing retirement assets in divorce is often one of the most complex and emotionally charged issues couples face. If one or both spouses participated in the Tem Express Logistics 401(k) Plan during the marriage, you’ll need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to legally divide the account. A QDRO is the only way to ensure that the non-employee spouse, also known as the “alternate payee,” can receive their share of retirement benefits without triggering early withdrawal penalties or taxes.
At PeacockQDROs, we’ve helped thousands of clients obtain QDROs that protect their retirement interests and comply with each plan’s unique rules. In this article, we’ll walk you through how QDROs work for 401(k) plans specifically, and what to consider when dealing with the Tem Express Logistics 401(k) Plan, including employer contributions, vesting schedules, and Roth account distinctions.
Plan-Specific Details for the Tem Express Logistics 401(k) Plan
- Plan Name: Tem Express Logistics 401(k) Plan
- Sponsor: Unknown sponsor
- Address: 20250718150518NAL0002022737001, 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
Although details such as EIN and Plan Number will be required when submitting the QDRO, these can often be obtained by requesting a copy of the plan’s Summary Plan Description (SPD) or recent participant statement.
What Is a QDRO and Why You Need One
A Qualified Domestic Relations Order is a court order that allows a retirement plan to distribute funds to someone other than the plan participant—usually a former spouse. For plans like the Tem Express Logistics 401(k) Plan, which are governed under ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act), a QDRO is mandatory before any division of benefits can occur.
Simply including the retirement division in your divorce decree is not enough. Without a QDRO, the plan administrator cannot legally pay benefits to the alternate payee. This makes properly preparing and submitting the QDRO a critical step in finalizing retirement asset division.
Key Considerations When Dividing the Tem Express Logistics 401(k) Plan
Employer vs. Employee Contributions
401(k) accounts typically include both employee deferrals and employer matching or profit-sharing contributions. In divorce proceedings, both types of contributions accrued during the marriage are typically considered marital assets. However, how much of that is divided depends on fair market value and marital ownership periods.
If contributions were made both before and during the marriage, it may be necessary to perform a coverture fraction calculation or determine specific dollar values from statements. This is information we often help clients acquire during the drafting process.
Vesting Schedules and Forfeitures
Many 401(k) plans—including likely the Tem Express Logistics 401(k) Plan—use a vesting schedule for employer contributions. This means the employee earns ownership of employer contributions over time. Unvested amounts are typically forfeited if the employee leaves before full vesting.
In a QDRO, we account for this by ensuring that only the vested portion of employer contributions are available for division. Unlike employee contributions, which are always 100% vested, employer money may be partially forfeited depending on the employee’s years of service.
Loan Balances and Their Impact
It’s not uncommon for participants to have outstanding loans against their 401(k) accounts. The Tem Express Logistics 401(k) Plan may allow loans, and any outstanding balance will reduce the account’s total value available for division.
If not addressed properly in the QDRO, loan balances can create confusion and disputes. Some QDROs treat the loan as reducing the divisible balance, while others assign the debt solely to the participant. A clear strategy must be determined before drafting the order.
Roth vs. Traditional 401(k) Contributions
The Tem Express Logistics 401(k) Plan may include both Roth and Traditional 401(k) components. Roth 401(k) money is contributed after taxes, while Traditional 401(k) money is pre-tax.
The QDRO must specify how these components are divided. In some cases, the alternate payee may receive a portion from both types of accounts. We make sure the order is clear and directs the plan administrator on how to allocate the distribution between tax types—this avoids surprises at tax time.
Documentation You’ll Need
When preparing a QDRO for the Tem Express Logistics 401(k) Plan, the following documents are essential:
- The Summary Plan Description (SPD)
- Recent participant statements
- Plan Number and EIN (if unknown, we can assist in locating them)
- The divorce judgment or marital settlement agreement
QDROs must also comply with Tem Express Logistics 401(k) Plan’s specific administrative procedures. At PeacockQDROs, we contact the plan to confirm their formatting and procedures before submitting any documents, minimizing the risk of rejection or processing delays.
Why Choose PeacockQDROs
At PeacockQDROs, we’ve completed thousands of QDROs from beginning to end. That means we don’t just draft the order and leave you to figure out what to do next. We handle the drafting, preapproval (if the plan allows), court filing, submission to the plan, and ongoing follow up until completion. That’s what truly sets us apart from other services that stop at paperwork.
We also maintain near-perfect reviews and pride ourselves on doing things the right way—with clarity, transparency, and efficiency. Whether you need help dividing a plan like the Tem Express Logistics 401(k) Plan or simply have questions about what to expect, we’ve got you covered.
- Learn more about our QDRO services: https://www.peacockesq.com/qdros/
- Contact us directly: https://www.peacockesq.com/contact/
- Avoid common QDRO mistakes: https://www.peacockesq.com/qdros/common-qdro-mistakes/
- See what impacts QDRO timing: 5 Factors That Determine QDRO Timing
Final Tips for a Smooth Tem Express Logistics 401(k) Plan QDRO
- Don’t delay—start the QDRO process early in the divorce
- Gather plan documents before drafting the order
- Clarify how to handle loans, vesting, and Roth balances before filing the QDRO
- Use a professional who can guide you through the administrative process, not just give you a form
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 Tem Express Logistics 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.