What is a domestic relations order (DRO) and what does it mean that it is “qualified”?

A domestic relations order (DRO) is a judgment, decree or court order relating to the provision of child support, alimony payments or the division of marital property rights awarded to a spouse, former spouse, child or other dependent, referred to as the Alternate Payee, of the ERSRI member, referred to as the Participant, as part of a divorce settlement.

A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is a domestic relations order that has been subsequently approved by the Plan Administrator. Under federal law the Plan Administrator has the final authority to qualify a DRO or to deny it if it fails to meet the federal requirements or provides for benefits not otherwise available under the Plan.