There are many issues that need to be considered during the process of getting a divorce. The following checklist may be of help to simplify the necessary steps you need to take in regard to your benefit plans.

• The Pension Plan is mandated by law to have a procedure by which the two parties to a divorce may determine and allocate the participant's pension benefit. The legal name for the order which must be approved and filed with both the pension plan and the court is the Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO, pronounced kwadro). Click here to view the plan's QDRO procedure.
• The plan has a sample QDRO available to help the parties and their attorneys draft a QDRO which can be accepted and processed by the plan. Click here to download the sample QDRO.
• Your attorney will probably wish to obtain a copy of the summary plan description and the pension plan document (the rules and regulations). Click here to view the summary plan description. Click here to view the plan document.
• Since your family status changes as the result of a divorce, you need to complete a new Performer Information Form. Click here to download a blank form. You will have to submit a copy of the final divorce decree with the Plan to finalize changes to your benefits.
• You will want to review your designation of beneficiary for both the Pension and Health Plans.