What do you do when your divorce involves a QDRO? Do you even know what that means or who to reach out to? Luckily, our guest on today’s episode has the inside scoop. Join Seth and Pete as they talk with Matt Lundy about QDROs and how to navigate the world of sorting out money in your various retirement accounts.

Matt’s handled over 14,000 QDRO cases – you read that right – so he knows what he’s talking about. It’s a complicated process that’s all about splitting up retirement accounts. So why is it so daunting? And what should you know about them? In this episode, Pete and Seth work with Matt to lay out a few key steps you should have prepared if you’re going to end up with a QDRO in your case.

Links & Notes

• Matthew Lundy Law (
• The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce by Judith Wallerstein (
• Schedule a consult with Seth (
• Got a question you want to ask on the show? Click here! (

• (00:00) – Welcome to How to Split a Toaster

• (01:19) – Meet Matt Lundy

• (04:25) – What Is a QDRO?

• (08:34) – Where to Start the Conversation

• (10:43) – Who Has the Power

• (13:48) – Setting Up the Qualified Domestic Relations Order

• (16:50) – Working With Plan Administrators

• (20:36) – The Steps You Should Take

• (24:57) – What Will You Get From It

• (29:12) – Sponsor: Soberlink

• (31:05) – Exceptions

• (32:33) – Example

• (36:11) – Solving These Problems

• (38:15) – Find a Good Family Law Attorney From the Start

• (43:51) – The Struggle to Accept Good Advice

• (46:49) – Make Sure They Know What They’re Doing

• (50:11) – Find the Right Family Law Attorney

• (51:28) – Wrap Up…(read more)

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Splitting up assets during a divorce can be a complicated and emotional process, especially when it comes to dealing with retirement accounts. One key tool in dividing retirement assets is a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). But what exactly are QDROs, and how do you deal with them in your divorce?

A QDRO is a legal order that authorizes the division of retirement plan benefits between a plan participant and their spouse or former spouse. It is typically required when one or both spouses have a retirement account that needs to be divided as part of the divorce settlement. In simple terms, a QDRO allows for the transfer of funds from one spouse’s retirement account to the other spouse’s account without incurring early withdrawal penalties or taxes.

Matt Lundy, a divorce attorney based in Houston, Texas, explains the importance of understanding and properly executing a QDRO in a divorce settlement. “A QDRO is a crucial component of dividing retirement assets during a divorce,” says Lundy. “Without a QDRO in place, the division of retirement accounts can be delayed or result in tax consequences for both parties.”

When it comes to dealing with QDROs in a divorce, Lundy recommends working with a knowledgeable attorney who has experience in handling complex financial matters. “Dividing retirement assets can be a complicated process, and having a skilled attorney on your side can help ensure that the QDRO is drafted correctly and that your interests are protected,” he explains.

In addition to working with a divorce attorney, Lundy suggests taking the following steps when dealing with QDROs:

1. Gather all necessary information about your retirement accounts, including account statements, plan documents, and account balances.
2. Discuss your options for dividing retirement assets with your attorney, taking into account factors such as the length of the marriage, contributions made by each spouse, and any prenuptial agreements.
3. Work with a qualified financial professional to help calculate the division of retirement assets and ensure that the QDRO accurately reflects the agreed-upon division.
4. Have the QDRO reviewed and approved by the retirement plan administrator to ensure that it meets the plan’s specific requirements.

Overall, understanding what QDROs are and how to properly deal with them in a divorce can help streamline the process of dividing retirement assets and ensure a fair and equitable settlement for both parties. By working with experienced professionals and following these steps, you can navigate the complexities of QDROs and protect your financial interests during a divorce.