QDROs, Pensions, and Divorce: Don’t Make This Expensive Mistake | Lawyers Without Billboards S2-Ep18

Retirement accounts are often one of the largest assets in a divorce — and one of the easiest to mishandle.In this episode, we break down QDROs (Qualified Domestic Relations Orders), how they work, and why failing to handle them correctly can lead to tax consequences, penalties, and costly disputes years later.We cover: How retirement accounts are divided in divorce  When a QDRO is required—and when it isn’t  Why pensions and government plans can be tricky  Common drafting mistakes that create problems down the road  What to do if a QDRO wasn’t done at the time of divorce If you’re going through a divorce, or advising someone who is, this episode will help you avoid one of the most expensive mistakes people make.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Intro01:10 – What is a QDRO (and why it matters)03:30 – Avoiding taxes and penalties in divorce04:40 – When a QDRO is required… and when it’s not05:50 – IRAs vs 401(k)s vs pensions08:00 – What happens when one party doesn’t cooperate10:00 – Why waiting years can cause major problems11:50 – Retirement accounts that can’t be divided (TRS pitfalls)13:20 – Common mistakes in settlement agreements15:30 – Why pensions are more complicated than you think18:00 – The challenge of drafting QDROs after the fact20:00 – Key takeaways: how to protect yourself🔔 Subscribe for candid conversations about family law, relationships, and the legal system - without the billboards.🎙️ Hosts: Steve & Patty Shewmaker, Jimmy & Alexa Lewis 🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/_rw_DWMQeVg or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.📩 Contact: [email protected]| (770) 939-1939🌐 Website: https://www.shewmakerandlewis.com🎧 Podcast Library: https://shewmakerandlewis.com/lawyers-without-billboards🎼 Music by Ben Hernandez – Dragonsong Productions🎥 Produced by: Bleeding Edge, Inc.🎬 Audio & Video Production: Rob Burgner📍 Recorded at: Shewmaker & Lewis, Atlanta, GA