Qualified Domestic Relations Order
A Qualified Domestic Relations Order, usually shortened to QDRO, is the formal court order that divides certain retirement accounts between divorcing spouses. In Florida, it instructs a 401(k), pension, or similar plan to pay an agreed share directly to the other spouse, avoiding the taxes and penalties that a normal early withdrawal would cause. It must meet specific federal requirements and be accepted by the plan administrator before any money moves.
Last updated June 21, 2026
Legal Definition
A Qualified Domestic Relations Order is a judgment, decree, or order meeting the requirements of 26 U.S.C. §414(p) and ERISA that assigns a portion of a participant's qualified-plan benefits to an alternate payee; Florida courts enter QDROs to effectuate equitable distribution of retirement benefits under F.S. §61.075 and §61.076.
Example
The settlement required a Qualified Domestic Relations Order to split his state pension between the two of them.
Related Statutes
- 61.075
- 61.076
Related Terms
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