QDRO Calculator
Calculate retirement plan division in divorce
Retirement Account Details
Account Information
Pre-marital balance (separate property)
Time Periods
Division Parameters
Typically 50% in equitable distribution states
Division Estimate
Enter retirement account details and click "Calculate"
Get estimated QDRO division amounts
When to Use QDRO Calculator
Divorce Settlement
Estimate retirement account division during divorce negotiations and settlement discussions
401(k) Division
Calculate the marital portion of 401(k) and other defined contribution plans
Pension Valuation
Estimate the value of defined benefit pension plans for equitable distribution
Mediation Prep
Prepare for mediation with realistic retirement division expectations
Financial Planning
Plan for post-divorce retirement with accurate asset division estimates
Attorney Consultation
Come prepared to legal consultations with preliminary QDRO calculations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a QDRO?
A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is a legal order that divides retirement plan benefits between divorcing spouses. It allows an alternate payee (typically the non-employee spouse) to receive a portion of the employee spouse's retirement benefits without early withdrawal penalties.
How is the marital portion of a retirement account calculated?
The marital portion is typically calculated using the coverture fraction: (Months of marriage during plan participation ÷ Total months of plan participation) × Current account balance. The non-employee spouse usually receives 50% of this marital portion.
What retirement accounts require a QDRO?
QDROs are required for employer-sponsored retirement plans including 401(k), 403(b), 457 plans, and defined benefit pensions. IRAs do not require a QDRO - they can be divided through a transfer incident to divorce. Federal employee plans (FERS/CSRS) use a Court Order Acceptable for Processing (COAP).
What is the coverture fraction?
The coverture fraction determines what portion of a retirement benefit is marital property. It equals the time married while participating in the plan divided by total time participating in the plan. For example, if married 10 years during 20 years of plan participation, the coverture fraction is 50%.
How much does a QDRO cost?
QDRO preparation typically costs $500-$2,000 depending on complexity. Simple 401(k) QDROs may cost $500-$800, while complex pension QDROs can cost $1,500-$2,500. Plan administrators may charge $300-$1,000 to review and qualify the order.
Can I roll over QDRO funds without penalty?
Yes, QDRO distributions can be rolled over to an IRA or another qualified plan without the 10% early withdrawal penalty. However, if you take a cash distribution, you'll owe income taxes. The 10% penalty exemption only applies to distributions made directly under the QDRO.
What is the difference between separate interest and shared payment QDRO?
A separate interest QDRO creates a separate account for the alternate payee who controls their own distribution timing. A shared payment QDRO pays the alternate payee only when the participant receives benefits, sharing each payment proportionally. Separate interest is more common for defined contribution plans.
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