An explanation of beneficiary designations and income tax consequences related to ERISA and qualified plans during divorce. Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).ERISA provides that all plan participants shall be entitled to: Receive Information. ERISA is a federal law. Therefore, in essence, an ERISA beneficiary designation "trumps" a state law divorce decree. As the Ninth Circuit has succinctly explained: ERISA provides for two types of survivor annuity benefits. If a vested participant dies. A DRO is a court order issued after a final judgment of divorce that provides the ex-spouse of a member with a share of the member's benefit upon retirement. The New York State Unified Court System offers free instruction booklets and forms for people starting a divorce. ERISA Litigation 11.