The Plan is required to pay benefits in accordance with the provisions of a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). A domestic relations order is a court order which is issued pursuant to a state domestic relations law and which relates to the provisions of marital property rights. In order to be considered a Qualified Domestic Relations Order, the order must contain certain specific provisions with respect to the benefits under the Plan. When the Plan receives a proposed QDRO, it follows specific procedures as required by federal law in determining whether a domestic relations order is qualified. The Plan also has a model QDRO that is available to participants and their attorneys, along with a copy of the Plan’s procedures with respect to QDRO’s. This information is available free of charge. If you have any questions regarding QDRO’s, you should contact the Plan Office.
