Usual Fees:  $275 for 401(k), 403(b), 457, PERA; $350 for Pension Plans
50% Discount for Multiple QDROs

Colorado PERA DRO Preparation by a Colorado Attorney

Summary: Colorado PERA retirement accounts can be tricky when dividing them in a divorce case. Like all government plans, the plan procedures and requirements must be followed. PERA is notorious for refusing to honor any court order if more than 90 days has passed the date of the decree. (Some other Colorado government plans also have the 90 day restriction.)

Dividing Colorado PERA Retirement Accounts With a DRO.

Like most government retirement plans, the Colorado PERA retirement plans are unique as to the procedures which must be followed in order to divide those accounts pursuant to a divorce decree.

Although the standard PERA DRO (Domestic Relations Order) Agreement appears to be simple, the extensive rules and regulations behind the DRO are complicated.

And those extensive rules and regulations continue to change, perhaps every couple of years. Recently they have delayed the retirement age. Since PERA is significantly underfunded, further "adjustments" are expected.

Colorado PERA is unique because it will not accept a court Domestic Relations Order which attempts to divide a PERA account if more than 90 days has passed since the date of the divorce decree.

Even though certain PERA restrictions and requirements may appear to be unfair, those rules and regulations have been upheld by the higher Colorado courts.

So, this means that you have to be on the ball if you are going to divide a PERA plan with a divorce court order.

Our PERA fee is still $275.