Retirement accounts are typically among the most valuable assets in a high net worth divorce. Dividing them incorrectly can cost you tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of your life.
If you or your spouse has a 401(k), pension, or other employer-sponsored retirement plan, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is almost certainly going to be part of your divorce in 2026.
Our Grapevine, TX divorce attorneys are deeply experienced in divorces involving complex, high-value assets. If you need a QDRO in your divorce, we will make sure it is accurate, fair, and protects your long-term interests.
What Is a QDRO and Why Is It Necessary in a Texas Divorce?
A QDRO is a specific type of court order that tells the administrator of a retirement plan to divide the account and pay a portion of the benefits to a former spouse. The term comes from the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, or ERISA, which governs most private employer retirement plans. Without a properly drafted and approved QDRO, a retirement plan administrator is legally prohibited from paying benefits to anyone other than the account holder. A divorce decree alone is not enough.