Gallo and Russell have been preparing QDROs and Court Orders since 2003. Our experienced turnkey operation provides the client a resource to simplify the preparation of any necessary documents to divide retirement assets.

How it Works
A Qualified Domestic Relations Order, or QDRO, is a court order that legally allows a retirement plan to distribute money to someone OTHER than the plan participant; for example to a former spouse.

Gallo and Russell prepare the QDRO based upon the information you give us. We send a draft QDRO to you, your former spouse, or your attorneys and the plan administrator for approval. After receiving plan approval, we send you the final document, the plan approval letter and instructions on how to file.

Before You Begin

1. Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA)
2. Retirement plan information that includes the plan's exact name, address, and plan administrator name and address
3. Current addresses for you and your former spouse
4. Social security numbers for you and your former spouse
5. Birth dates for you and your former spouse
6. Date of Marriage

We will request any additional information that is required once the engagement is finalized.

The Process
1. Consultation with you about the specifics of your QDRO needs
2. Gathering all relevant information from you and the Plan Administrator
3. Preparing initial draft of the QDRO
4. Sending QDRO draft to you for initial review; submission of QDRO to Plan Administrator for preliminary approval (if permitted by the Plan)
5. Correcting any amendments required by the Plan Administrator
6. Submission of the Certified QDRO to the Plan Administrator
7. Receipt of Approval Letter from Plan Administrator and transmittal to client

Attention
Gallo and Russell will prepare your QDRO in accordance with your MSA or Judgment of Dissolution. Any information you provide that is different from the MSA or Judgment or where the MSA or Judgment is silent, we will require written approval by your former spouse and/or his or her attorney.

The Cost
We charge a flat $500 fee for the preparation of a Court Order (including Military), DRO (Domestic Relations Order) or QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order) for the following types of Plans.

Defined Contribution Plans
401(k),  457deferred compensation, profit sharing, ESOP, 401(a), money purchase, etc., including union plans

Defined Benefit Plans
Pension plan, cash balance plan, 412(i) plan, etc., including union plans

Military Plans
Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard - active or reserve, etc

Ferderal Government Plans
Civil Service Retirement System CSRS, Federal Employee Retirement System FERS, Thrift Savings Plan TSP, Railroad Retirement Board, etc.

State, City and County Plans
Florida Retirement System Pension Plan

Please note that payment of the fee is required in advance of the work being performed.