Services

Present Value Calculations

• Present value calculations prepared for Defined Benefit Plans
• Valuation on the survivor benefit portion of a pension when a retired individual has elected a joint and survivor benefit option
• Military Valuations (High-3, Guard/Reserve Points Calculations and Hypothetical Retired Pay Calculations)

Social Security Offset Calculations

In domestic relations actions in Pennsylvania, it is recognized that a civil service employee may exclude from equitable distribution that portion of pension estimated to be received in lieu of Social Security (Cornbleth v. Cornbleth, 397 PA. Super.421, 580 A.2d 369 (1990)).

Contact us if you have a case where an employee is not paying into Social Security and you require a Hypothetical Social Security Offset for use in a Present Value calculation.

QDROs (And Like-Orders)

Primarily serving attorneys in Southwestern Pennsylvania who are looking to eliminate concerns about poorly drafted QDRO's. We can help you reduce liability and get your division order prepared in a timely fashion.

Click here to read our helpful handout "Understanding QDRO Basics & Common Mistakes to Avoid"

All our DRO Drafting is done on a flat fee basis and turnaround time is typically 7 – 10 days from the time all needed documentation and payment is received. Our services on all Orders prepared includes:

• Review of Marital Settlement Agreement or Court Order, and if needed, obtain clarifying information from the attorneys, when not all terms have been specified in the settlement agreement or court order (we urge attorneys to contact us before they have finalized the separation agreement so that all necessary terms can be vetted and properly included in the settlement agreement)
• Necessary research on the Employer Plan, drafting the DRO, and then circulating copies of the proposed DRO to the parties/attorneys
• Reasonable employer, client and attorney communications about the QDRO process and document status
• Submission of the proposed DRO to the Plan Administrator for their review/pre-approval (when offered by the Plan) and making any required document revisions
• Delivery of pre-approved DRO and processing instructions to all relevant parties
• Follow up to be certain the Plan accepts the Order as completed and makes the distribution to the Former Spouse (defined contribution plan) or provides a Letter of Acceptance (defined benefit plan)

It is important that QDROs be prepared either prior to the divorce or shortly thereafter. Delays in preparing and submitting a QDRO to the Plan could cause your client to lose valuable rights and benefits awarded to them in their divorce.