Checklist: QDRO Procedures

1. Prior to Receipt of an Order

• If the Plan Administrator becomes aware—either verbally or in writing—of a pending domestic relations action (e.g., divorce) that may result in a Domestic Relations Order (DRO) affecting the Plan, the Plan Administrator may place a hold on any loan or distribution requests from the Participant.
• The Plan Administrator shall notify the Participant of the account hold.

To lift the hold, the Participant must provide written confirmation that the court will not issue a DRO related to the Plan.

2. Upon Receipt of a DRO

• Within a reasonable timeframe, the Plan Administrator shall:
  • Notify both the Participant and the Alternate Payee of the receipt of the DRO.
  • Provide both parties with a copy of this QDRO procedure.
• The Plan Administrator shall freeze the account(s) under the Plan affected by the DRO.
• The Plan Administrator shall review the DRO to determine whether it qualifies as a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO).
• A QDRO checklist (attached) will be completed for each order received.

3. If the Order is Determined to be a QDRO

• The Plan Administrator shall:
  • Notify both the Participant and the Alternate Payee in writing that the order has been determined to be a QDRO.
  • Process the distribution(s) specified in the QDRO in accordance with the Plan terms.
• If the QDRO allows for immediate payment and the Plan permits such distribution, the Plan Administrator shall issue the payment to the Alternate Payee as soon as administratively feasible.
• The Plan will maintain separate accounting records for each Alternate Payee.
• The Alternate Payee shall have the right to designate a beneficiary for their portion under the Plan.
• The Plan Administrator shall notify the Participant once the payment to the Alternate Payee has been completed.