Christian D. Smed, P.A., a family law attorney licensed in the state of Florida manages this process from beginning to end to help minimize the time required for completing the process. For our flat fee, we are responsible for the entire process from the drafting of the order to obtaining the final approval QDRO from the Plan Administrator. A QDRO must go through approval by the parties, the judge and the plan administrator. The total time to complete a QDRO is difficult to predict, even with the simplest of plans. A huge challenge if you are not represented by an attorney who will perform all of these tasks on your behalf.
A simple “form” service will not and cannot offer you legal advice. We are a law firm. We only practice in the state of Florida with a licensed family law attorney, Christian D. Smed, Esq. We are able to assist with all of your legal issues surrounding your QDRO to ensure that benefits are appropriately secured. The flat fee cost for the preparation of a QDRO by our attorney can range from $600.00 to $1,200.00 for each account. Discounts are offered to military members, veterans, first responders, teachers, government employees, and for multiply orders
Why the Difference in Price. When comparing prices, ask what exact services will be provided. What tasks will I be required to perform. Who will be required to obtain the Court Order. Who will communicate with the Plan Administrator. Does your guaranteed time frame cover the entire process or just the drafting of the “form”. Will an attorney be drafting the Court Order. Can I speak to an attorney licensed in the state of Florida if I have a question. Who will perform these tasks.
In addition to preparing and drafting the QDRO the flat fee includes:
Providing legal advice as to Florida law and process related to dividing retirement accounts in family law cases.
Assistance with required language in divorce, if you contact us early enough in the case;Communicating directly with the plan(s) administrators.
Obtaining Pre-Approval of the Proposed QDRO from the Plan Administrator (If required).
Obtaining and Preparing any Application(s) to if required by the Plan Administrator to summit with the QDRO.
Submission of the order(s) to the Court and Obtaining certified copies of the Order.
Submitting the Final Order to the Plan Administrator to obtain final approval of the QDRO.
If additional litigation is needed to resolve outstanding issues related to your QDRO, we are available to provide to these additional legal services in the State of Florida at our hourly rate.
**Discounts for 2 or more Orders.
We handle all types of plans, including but not limited to private sector plans (defined benefit pensions, 401(k)'s, profit-sharing plans, annuities, ESOPs, savings plans and IRAs), government plans (pensions, annuities and thrift savings plans), and military plans (pensions and thrift savings plans).