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Qualified Domestic Relations Order

Helping You & Your Family Move Forward

Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)

Seek Assistance from Dedicated Retirement Asset Division Lawyers in Fairfax

Retirement interests (and determining what you and your spouse are entitled to in each other’s respective retirement accounts) are often a significant issue in divorce settlements. Retirement interests are governed by state and federal laws and can be a complicated asset to divide. Your attorney can help you identify what interest you may be entitled to and how to accomplish the transfer of that interest in the most beneficial (and simplest) way.

Contact Keithley Law, PLLC today to find out how we can help you handle complex financial matters.

Understanding Your Options for Your Type of Retirement Account

Most retirement accounts fall into two main types. A defined contribution plan where the employee (and possibly employer) contribute a monthly amount into a qualified plan (like IRAs, 401(K)s, or TSPs). A defined benefit plan is pension that the employee accrues an interest to be paid monthly on retirement according to time invested in the employment and some set formula (like FERS, CSRS, or VRS). Each retirement plan has complicated rules and procedures addressing division on divorce, so understanding the asset and working with an attorney to protect your interest will be an important component of your divorce.

Even if you and your spouse agree on how retirement assets should be divided, you will typically need your attorney to prepare a Court Order to accomplish the transfer. This is typically done at the time of divorce, or shortly afterward. A “Qualified Domestic Relations Order,” or “QDRO” for short, or “Court Order Acceptable for Processing,” or “COAP” for short, directs the retirement plan administrator of the account to divide the asset in accordance with your agreement or the Court’s ruling. Seeking an attorney experienced with retirement assets division will be an important piece of your financial plan as move forward after the divorce, as even small wording issues can make a huge difference.



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    If I could extend a rating beyond the maximum of 5 stars, I would gladly do so.
    “If I could extend a rating beyond the maximum of 5 stars, I would gladly do so. Following my initial consultation with Ms. Soo, I engaged the legal services of Ms. Dawn, both of whom exhibit a remarkable depth of expertise within the realm of family law. Over the past year, their collective commitment to securing a fair and equitable custody agreement has endowed me with a profound understanding of Virginia's custody laws.

    Ms. Dawn has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to my case, ensuring seamless guidance from its inception to its resolution. Her responsiveness to my legal inquiries has been exceptional, often addressing them with remarkable promptness. Simultaneously, Ms. Soo has remained well-versed in the particulars of my case, delivering unparalleled representation within the courtroom.

    I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude for facilitating a safe and harmonious environment for my daughter. While it is customary for negotiations to leave parties with varying degrees of satisfaction, I firmly believe that the outcome achieved could not have been more favorable. Thank you immensely for your invaluable assistance!”
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    “Thank you so much for sharing your information on the internet. I have been with the same man for 35 years - high school sweethearts. I have tried so hard for so long, and slowly over the past year and a half, I was doing what your site recommends - taking time during the silence to read, journal, reflect and work on myself. THEN I found your page "Narcissism, Stonewalling, & Ghosting". THANK YOU so much for sharing the details you've gleaned over your career and compiling them in such a clear, concise manner! This page describes my relationship to a T! Your site pulls together all the signs, and symptoms I have been slowly connecting, but with your help, I now have a better description of the personality I'm married to.”
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    Saving Grace!
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    Gentle pacing when needed. Patience and excellent listening skills have really been a saving grace.

    ”
    - Former Client
    Thank you so much for your kindness and wonderful guidance through difficult times.
    “

    Dawn and Soo are great attorneys who give you support, empathy, prompt advice with experience and knowledge. Customer service from the office is also superb. Thank you so much for your kindness and wonderful guidance through difficult times.

    ”
    - Former Client
    I am very happy that Mr. Thompson took the time to hear my "elevator pitch" and chronology about what my issues were without interruption or tangential questions.
    “

    I am very happy that Mr. Thompson took the time to hear my "elevator pitch" and chronology about what my issues were without interruption or tangential questions. He further demonstrated that he is very detail-oriented and made some very good points I hadn't considered with my case.

    ”
    - Former Client
    I felt the attorney had useful knowledge of the Virginia Landlord tenant law.
    “

    I felt the attorney had useful knowledge of the Virginia Landlord tenant law. He was able to help me decide which path might be the best to take, given many clear options. Thanks!

    ”
    - Former Client
    All were very professional yet very friendly where this can be a very hard mix to find in lawyers this firm had an impressive dynamic.
    “

    Soo Keithley and Dawn Rogan-Titus were an inspiration to me as they helped direct me through the divorce procedure. They both knew how to handle a controversial divorce and guided me in the process of what to expect. Divorce is a very emotional time for anyone and to know that your lawyer will do anything to help you is refreshing. They were always honest and upfront with my questions even if the answer was not what I wanted to hear. Their legal team worked well together and complemented each other. All were very professional yet very friendly where this can be a very hard mix to find in lawyers this firm had an impressive dynamic. Thank you to Soo, Dawn, and your team for helping me through this excruciating time in my life.

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    - Former Client
    Gave me helpful advice!
    “

    The attorney was frank and gave me helpful advice.

    ”
    Took the time to answer my questions!
    “

    I just met with Henry Thompson II, who helped me think through my complex and highly emotional family law case. He gave me helpful advice and took the time to answer my questions as well. When the consultation appointment ended, I felt like I had a good sense of how to proceed, both practically and as far as my mindset. Thank you very much! My case is one that shows that it's better to retain legal counsel early in the process rather than waiting year after year to pass.

    ”
    - Hope G.

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