QDRO Services

Our expertise lies in assisting individuals going through a divorce navigate the complex task of splitting retirement benefits. Our knowledgeable team offers detailed advice on the best ways to handle the division of different retirement accounts such as pensions, 401(k) type plans, and IRAs. We assist clients in comprehending the financial consequences of various division approaches, outlining the legal obligations, and devising plans to guarantee a just and balanced allocation. Emphasizing clarity and accuracy, we strive to safeguard your future financial well being while managing the challenges of dividing retirement assets in the midst of divorce procedures.

QDRO Advice

We specialize in Advicing divorcing parties on the intricate process of dividing retirement benefits. Our
team provides expert guidance on how to strategically approach the division of various retirement accounts, including pensions, 401(k)s, and IRAs.

QDRO Drafting

Each QDRO is meticulously tailored to the specific requirements of the retirement plan involved and the client’s needs, ensuring a smooth and accurate division of retirement assets.

QDRO Processing

We provide full-service QDRO support from start to finish. With our streamed lined approach, we handle every step of the QDRO process, so you have peace of find knowing your QDRO is handled by QDRO-experts.

QDRO Review

Our firm provides thorough review services for QDROs prepared by other legal professionals, providing expert opinions and detailed analysis. Our in-depth approach ensures the QDRO is drafted to comply with legal requirements and accurately reflects the terms of the parties’ agreement or court order.

QDRO Process & Timeline

The QDRO process typically involves seven steps to ensure the correct division of retirement assets in divorce cases. Here's a brief overview:

Collect and Assess Information (1–2 weeks):

Gather required documents like plan statements and marital agreements from the parties for review.

Draft the QDRO (2–4 weeks):

Prepare a draft order based on the retirement plan terms and the divorce agreement or court order, and circulate it for review.

Plan Administrator Review (1–2 months):

Submit the draft to the plan administrator for preapproval to ensure compliance and avoid revisions later.

Obtain Signatures (1–4 weeks):

Circulate the pre approved QDRO for signatures from all parties involved.

Court Filing (2–4 weeks):

File the signed QDRO with the court for approval.

Serve Plan Administrator (1–2 weeks):

Provide the retirement plan with a copy of the court-filed QDRO for implementation.

Implementation (2 weeks–2 months):

The plan administrator reviews and implements the QDRO, confirming the division of retirement assets to both parties.

QDRO Review

Our firm provides a comprehensive review of QDROs drafted by other QDRO preparers, and will issue an opinion on the findings. We meticulously examine the QDRO to ensure it aligns with legal standards and accurately reflects the terms of the parties’ agreement or the court’s order. Our services include assessing compliance with plan requirements, verifying the correct division of retirement assets, and identifying any potential issues or discrepancies. We offer detailed feedback and recommendations to ensure the QDRO is legally sound and effectively serves your interests. Our goal is to help you navigate the complexities of retirement benefit division with confidence and precision.

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Lorrina M. Duffy, Esq.

Lorrina M. Duffy, Esq. is the founder and principal attorney at QDRO Authority, A Professional Corporation. Lorrina’s practice focuses exclusively on drafting, reviewing and issuing opinions on domestic relations orders dividing retirement benefits in legal separation and divorce proceedings. She is a recurrent family law court appointed expert on retirement benefits division orders.

 

Lorrina is a nationally recognized expert in the area of retirement benefits division orders in family law matters. Her expertise encompasses private and public defined benefit pension plans and defined contribution 401(k) type plans, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), federal employee and military retirement plans, and nonqualified retirement plans. Lorrina is a frequent speaker for family law groups, bar associations, and continuing legal education (CLE) providers.

Prior to becoming a QDRO expert, Lorrina was an attorney with the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA). At LAFLA, Lorrina assisted victims and survivors of domestic violence with restraining orders, custody orders and divorces. As a former legal services attorney, Lorrina strongly believes in integrating pro bono services into her law practice. She volunteers as a QDRO attorney for the Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law, a non-profit organization that provides free legal services for low-income families. Lorrina also volunteers with other legal aid organizations in the Los Angeles area.

Lorrina has extensive leadership experience having served on several Board of Directors. Lorrina is a Past President of the Latina Lawyers Bar Association (LLBA). The LLBA is the nation’s only bar association dedicated exclusively to meeting the needs of Latinas in the legal profession. Lorrina also served as a Governor on the Board of Directors for California Women Lawyers (CWL). CWL promotes the advancement of women in the legal profession and is an advocate for the concerns of women in society. Previously, Lorrina served on the Board of Directors for the Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law.

Lorrina obtained her Bachelors of Arts from the University of California, Santa Cruz and her Juris Doctorate from the University of California, College of the Law San Francisco (fka UC Hastings College of the Law).

“I had the privilege of working with Lorrina Duffy for over 10 years, and I can say without hesitation that I would not recommend any other QDRO attorney to those close to me. Lorrina’s exceptional work ethic and dedication to her clients are unmatched.
She takes immense pride in her work, treating each QDRO and case as if it were her own. Her deep knowledge of the intricacies of the laws that govern the division of retirement benefits and the policies of retirement plans ensures that her clients receive the best possible outcome.
Simply put, Lorrina is the best in the business.”

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