A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDR) — Assignment of Interests is a legal document used in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to divide and allocate retirement assets between divorcing spouses or former partners. This order recognizes the rights of the non-employee spouse/partner to receive a portion of the pension, 401(k), or other retirement benefits accumulated during the marriage or partnership. In Saint Paul, Minnesota, there are several types of QDR Os related to the assignment of interests in retirement plans: 1. Pension QDR: This type of QDR applies to traditional pension plans where an employee earns a defined benefit over time. The QDR specifies how much of the pension benefits accrued during the marriage or partnership will be assigned to the non-employee spouse. 2. 401(k) QDR: A 401(k) QDR deals with the division of funds held in a 401(k) retirement account. It outlines the amount or percentage of the account that will be awarded to the non-employee spouse/partner and provides instructions for the plan administrator to make the distribution. 3. IRA QDR: Individual Retirement Account (IRA) QDR is applicable to dividing interests in an IRA account. It details the amount or percentage of the IRA assets to be transferred to the non-employee spouse/partner and instructs the IRA custodian to facilitate the transfer. 4. Thrift Savings Plan QDR: Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) QDR is specific to the federal government employees' retirement savings plan. It enables the division of the TSP account, allowing the non-employee spouse to receive their share. It is crucial to consult an experienced family law attorney in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to create and execute a QDR properly. The QDR must meet specific requirements outlined by the retirement plan administrator and comply with the legal guidelines established by both the state and federal laws. To initiate the process, the divorcing spouses/partners must draft a QDR that includes essential information such as personal details of the participants, the retirement plan details, the division amount, the method of payment, and the necessary legal language. The drafted QDR should then be submitted to the court for approval and ultimately be delivered to the plan administrator for implementation. Having a well-crafted Saint Paul, Minnesota Qualified Domestic Relations Order — Assignment of Interests ensures a fair and equitable distribution of retirement assets, safeguarding the financial interests of both parties involved.