Tax-favored retirement accounts are often an individual’s—or a couple’s—most valuable asset.Pension rights generally are not alienable. They cannot be garnished by creditors and any order purporting to assign them is invalid. QDROS are a special exception to this rule. Answering the client’s question – when can I get the money? Ordinarily, the Alternate Payee will get a distribution at the same time the Participant gets a distribution, but there is important language to note. How to prepare for QDRO counseling, and important documents. Explaining the options – what are the major issues to discuss. A must-read case: Hoshor v. Hoshor, 254 Neb. 743, 580 N.W.2d 516 (1998). Drafting the Domestic Relations Order, required elements, magic words. Important follow-up and resources. Brad Larson, CPA, will discuss some of the tax issues related to these important aspects of divorce settlements.

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