Opinion ID: 20895
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Validity of QDRO

Text: 37 First, there is no dispute about the propriety of the plan administrator's having treated the state court's domestic relations order in this case as a QDRO: Not only does the order touch all of the bases from the standpoint of required contents under § 1056(d) by recognizing Janice as an alternate payee, expressing that it relates to marital property rights, and specifying the factual information required under subsection (3)(C); at least facially it also does not violate subsection (3)(D)'s prohibition of requiring the Plan to provide (1) any type or form of benefit or option not otherwise provided under the Plan or, (2) on the basis of actuarial value, any increased benefits. Neither does the order require payment of benefits to an alternate payee other than Janice (there were no prior QDROs). Moreover, the instant QDRO was applied for and obtained before Jack's (1) annuity starting date, (2) retirement, or (3) death.