Pensions, 401(k)s and other qualified retirement plans are often the most significant marital asset in divorce cases. It is vital that the QDRO be properly drafted to protect the respective rights of the parties.

What is a QDRO? A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is a legal document that directs the administrator of a pension plan to give a certain amount of an employee's pension to his/her non-employee ex-spouse after the divorce is final.

As a licensed attorney, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER CERTIFICANT, and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, I am uniquely qualified to prepare QDROs for divorcing spouses. I have the legal knowledge, skill, and experience to draft an effective QDRO. In addition, I have the financial planning expertise to navigate the maze and complexity of the field of retirement plans.

QDROs are complex legal documents. A small mistake in the language used in the QDRO could cost you thousands of dollars in lost benefit payments. Be wary of "model" QDROs that plan administrators provide—they are often designed to benefit the plan and the participant spouse.

It is very important that the QDRO drafting process be initiated and completed as soon as possible in the divorce process, since a delay in getting the QDRO filed and accepted by the plan administrator could result in a loss of benefits by the non-participant spouse if the participant spouse dies, retires, quits, is terminated, etc. prior to the implementation of the QDRO.

My goal is to offer provide my clients with efficient, affordable and dependable QDRO drafting services so that they receive the money they deserve.

For more information on QDROs, please go to www.QDROColorado.com.