For Referring Attorneys

We can help you at every stage
of a retirement plan division

From understanding how a particular type of retirement plan works during settlement negotiations, to getting the order prepared once the case is resolved — Arizona's QDRO Practice gives you the tools to make your job easier at each step.

About 4 minutes  ·  No signup required
Three tools, three moments in your case

Here is how we can help

Each tool below is designed for a specific moment in a case that involves a retirement plan. You do not need to use all three — use whichever fits where you are right now.

1
When you are negotiating the settlement
QDRO Explainer Library
qdroaz.com/Quentin/explainers.html
📚

When you are in the middle of a negotiation and need to understand how a retirement plan works — how it is divided, what decisions need to be made, what the risks are for your client — this library gives you plain-language answers organized by plan type.

Each plan section expands with a knowledge summary and audio explainers with animated graphics, covering the key concepts and decision points for that plan. No login required. No intake form. Just answers.

The types of questions answered
  • How does the ASRS survivor benefit work, and why is it all-or-nothing?
  • What is the frozen benefit rule for military retired pay?
  • My client's spouse had money in their 401(k) before the marriage — how do we handle that?
  • What is DROP, and how does it interact with Koelsch payments?
  • Does my client need a QDRO to divide an IRA?
  • What are the four ways to divide a defined contribution account?
2
When the case is settled and you want to hand it off
Refer Your Client
qdroaz.com/Quentin/referral.html
📨

Once a case is settled, you can refer your client directly to us. We take it from there — we work with your client to gather all the information we need, collect our flat fee, and prepare the order.

The QDRO Initial Intake Form takes about two minutes to complete. We confirm the referral with you and keep you in the loop throughout. You do not need to gather plan information, draft instructions, or manage the process — that is what we are here for.

What happens after you submit
  • We contact your client directly to begin the intake process
  • We collect our flat fee from your client
  • We draft the order and coordinate with the plan administrator
  • We provide the completed order and filing instructions to you and your client
3
When you want to drive the process yourself
Quentin Intake App
qdroaz.com/Quentin/Intake.html

If you prefer to stay in control of the intake process yourself, the Quentin Intake App walks you through every question we need answered — plan by plan, decision by decision — then collects the fee (you will need to be ready to pay the flat fee directly through your office), and delivers everything to us in one organized submission.

The app is tailored to each plan type. It explains each decision point as you go, flags issues you may not have considered, and makes sure nothing is missed. Most intakes take 10 to 20 minutes. Our flat fee is collected at the end of the intake.

Plans covered
  • Federal plans — TSP, FERS, Military Retired Pay
  • Arizona governmental plans — ASRS, PSPRS/CORP, TSRS
  • Private employer plans — 401(k), 403(b), pension plans
  • Other — IRA, Nationwide 457(b), Railroad Retirement
From first question to filed order

How a typical referral works

Here is what the process looks like from the moment you identify a retirement plan in a case to the moment the order is filed with the court.

📋
You identify a retirement plan in the case
Use the Explainer Library to understand the plan type, the division options, and the decisions your client needs to make. The library is available any time, at no cost, with no login required.
🤝
The case settles
Once the decree or settlement agreement addresses the retirement plan, you are ready to engage us. Use the QDRO Initial Intake Form to refer your client to us, or use the Quentin Intake App to complete the intake yourself.
⚙️
We draft the order
Once intake is complete and our flat fee is paid, we draft the order, coordinate with the plan administrator or government agency, and provide you and your client with the completed order and filing instructions.
You file the order with the court
Filing with the court is handled by you as the attorney of record. Once the order is signed and filed, you will need to submit it to the plan administrator or agency for qualification. We provide complete instructions, including the address to which you will need to send the order for qualification and implementation.
Quick links — bookmark these
Erwin Kratz
Arizona's QDRO Practice  ·  Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona

We are happy to answer any questions about how these tools work, talk through a specific plan or help you figure out the right approach before you make a referral. Call us directly or contact us by email.

Arizona's QDRO Practice — Introduction for Referring Attorneys