How to Find the Best Attorney for a Latent QDRO
A qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) is an order, judgment, or decree that has been issued by a state court or agency that creates or recognizes an alternate payee for purposes of receiving all or some of the benefits of a retirement plan. QDRO's are frequently used pursuant to a divorce where one party is awarded all or a portion of the other party's retirement benefits. The administrator will not recognize an alternate payee's right to receive any of the benefits in the absence of a QDRO. As a rule, you will need an attorney to prepare and file the QDRO with the court.
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Instructions
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Confer with family and friends. Frequently, the best source of information on an attorney comes from your friends or family. Ask them if they have used an attorney for a QDRO in the past or if they have retained the services of a family law attorney. Family law attorneys are generally familiar with QDRO's, as they are most often used in domestic relations cases.
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Contact the local, state or national bar association. Each state has a state bar association, and many large cities have one as well. If you need help locating the state or local bar association you may contact the American Bar Association. (see Resources). Local and state bar associations often have referral services that can provide you with the names of attorneys who practice domestic relations law in your area.
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Search the Internet. The Internet can be a good source for locating local attorneys that practice domestic relations law. Note that the website may not specifically mention QDRO's, but look for attorneys that focus on domestic relations cases.
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Construct a list based on the recommendations of friends and family, the bar association referrals and the Internet search. Contact each attorney on the list and ask for a consultation. Most attorneys will offer you a brief cost-free consultation.
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Interview each attorney at the consultation. Ask the attorney how long she has been practicing, how many QDRO's she has drafted in the past, what she charges and any other questions that are relevant to you in making your decision.
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