We’re full service, so we handle everything once we get the file: from drafting to signatures to filing to execution.
Issues that may arise With QDROs
Joinders for California state plans
Reluctant parties will not sign
Plans have rejected your prior attempts at QDROs
Loans or separate and community property are mixed.
[
We do basic tracing for 401ks and other cash plans: this means we calculate the pre-marital and post-marital (separate property) shares, plus the gains and losses attributable to those shares, so nobody gets "too much" in the division. For complex issues of mixed funds or where parties want an extremely detailed and precise calculation, we'll partner with a CPA and leave the fine crunching to an accountant.
](#)
[
Striking out with a plan administrator? It happens a lot, especially when you try to do it yourself. I know, it sounds self-serving, but QDROs are immensely complicated and most divorce lawyers can't - and won't - touch them. There's a reason only a handful of lawyers do - we have an eye for the little legal details that cause these orders to get rejected by the plans and the patience to deal with picky plan administrators.
](#)
[
What do I do if my ex won't sign? That's probably the #2 question, behind price, that I get. I start with a lot of non-judicial motivational tactics: I try to get the plan frozen, so the other party cannot retire or borrow against the funds. I reach out amicably multiple times. And if none of that works, you can file a motion to get the judge to sign instead of your ex-spouse. Often, this means the judge will award you attorneys' fees for your trouble.
](#)