Home > For Campus Employees > Optional Retirement Program > Domestic Relations Orders

Domestic Relations Orders

What is a Domestic Relations Order?

A domestic relations order is a judgment, decree, order or approval of a property settlement issued by a state court which relates to the provision of child support, alimony payments, or marital property rights with respect to a spouse (present or former), child, or dependent (Alternate Payee) of a Plan Participant and is made pursuant to a State domestic relations law, including a community property law. A property settlement agreement which has not been approved by a court is not a domestic relations order. The domestic relations order may assign rights to an “Alternate Payee” in the Plan benefits of a Plan Participant.

The Plan requires that the Plan Administrator “approve” the domestic relations order before it can become effective. To be an Approved Domestic Relations Order (ADRO), the domestic relations order must meet certain requirements.

The following sections provide guidance on development; submission and implementation of an ADRO by ORP participants and the Plan Administrator.