The membership in a pension or retirement system is, therefore, substantially a contractual relationship when the member joins the system. The average retirement lasts for 18 years, with many lasting even longer.Will you fill your post-retirement days with purpose? Any division of your benefits must be stated in the form of a DRO — a legal document that gives us specific instructions on how your benefits should be divided. This guide provides information, forms, lists of things to do, and resources to use when you retire from King County employment. The amount of your spouse's retirement account you'll receive will depend on the characterization of the property as marital or separate property. The Plan document must follow certain federal laws and regulations that apply to retirement plans.