A QDRO is an Qualified Domestic Relations Order. It is the process of dividing retirement benefits upon divorce.  After an order is signed by the Court, the administrator who services the retirement plan will assign to the designated alternate payee (former spouse) the portion of the benefits that are awarded to the that spouse by the Court.  It in effect protects that portion of a person’s retirement income for the former spouse.

QDRO’s are necessary if retirement(s) are going to be divided.