QDRO attorney recommendation?

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have a rec for a QDRO attorney in MD? (I'm in Anne Arundel.) I have to get a simple QDRO drawn up and signed for one plan, ex is cooperating (it's his plan, I'm receiving the rollover), and the lawyer who handled my divorce isn't being communicative at the moment but wants $3500, which seems high. I can't check other attorneys' retainers or fees for this because I presently have a lawyer, so I'm kind of at a loss. We're officially divorced, everything else has been finalized but this. Thanks for any help.

[Anonymous]

Why can’t you check other attorney’s fees?

[Anonymous]

Why can’t you check other attorney’s fees?

Other lawyers won't talk to you if you have representation. My EAP won't refer me to a lawyer to answer my question, and the family court helpline won't talk to me either. I can contact them if I cease representation. So I can't ask other lawyers about how they handle the QDRO process or what they would charge or even ask if this seems in line / reasonable or not.

[Anonymous]

Pam Squires — Retirement Paralegel Services LLC in Fairfax.

703-620-9151

Hire her to do it and pay your attorney for a half hour for the doc review and file in court.

If you can get her — she is the best in the business and in very high demand.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pam Squires — Retirement Paralegel Services LLC in Fairfax.

703-620-9151

Hire her to do it and pay your attorney for a half hour for the doc review and file in court.

If you can get her — she is the best in the business and in very high demand.

Thank you. My lawyer is requesting $3500 retainer for this and they don't even write it. $700 of that is the flat fee that goes to the other attorney. They want the rest when all they will be doing is getting the judge to sign it. I feel like if they have that much in escrow they will find a way to spend it -- that's been my experience thus far.

[Anonymous]

I'm not local, but I just did this recently, and I paid $1600. My atty recommended the (rbco in our case) atty and I contacted them directly.

$3500 seems high.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: I'm not local, but I just did this recently, and I paid $1600. My atty recommended the (rbco in our case) atty and I contacted them directly.

$3500 seems high.

Thanks, I think so too. It feels like extortion. My attorney recommended someone, but that lawyer won't work with someone who doesn't have representation, everything has to go through my attorney's office (which they'll charge me for). If I terminate with my current lawyer, I need to find someone to write it and then someone to file it, because all the QDRO attorneys don't handle filing with the court to get it signed. I'm so done with lawyers right now.

[Anonymous]

I worked with Wendy widmann. I think it was $750/order

[Anonymous]

Have you checked with the plan first to see if they have a template? For example, some of the Fidelity plans require you to use their template or pay an extra $1000 for processing.

[Anonymous]

I have also been recommended to Wendy Widmann however, have read not so good reviews. Anyone with experience with her?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have also been recommended to Wendy Widmann however, have read not so good reviews. Anyone with experience with her?

Other options— Jessica Markham, Sarah Nesbitt, or Eric haviland. All have large retirement order practices.

-signed a family law attorney

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you checked with the plan first to see if they have a template? For example, some of the Fidelity plans require you to use their template or pay an extra $1000 for processing.

This. Call the employer or third party administrator and ask if they have a required or suggested template. Splitting a 401k is pretty straightforward.