# Title 82 — Board of Trustees of the Teachers' Fund for Retirement

## Article 82-08 — Qualified Domestic Relations Orders

## Chapter 82-08-01 — Qualified Domestic Relations Orders

### § 82-08-01-01. Payment in accordance with qualified domestic relations orders.

Repealed effective May 1, 2000.
### § 82-08-01-02. Qualified domestic relations order procedures.

Upon receipt of a domestic relations order, the plan shall:
1. Send an initial notice to each person named therein, together with an explanation of the
procedures followed by the fund.
2. If the teacher or alternate payee receives any distribution that should not have been paid per
the order, the teacher or alternate payee is designated a constructive trustee for the amount
received and shall immediately notify the retirement and investment office and comply with
written instructions as to the distribution of the amount received.
3. Review the domestic relations order to determine if it follows the model language format in
section 82-08-01-03.
4. Forward the domestic relations order to the fund's legal counsel and actuarial consultant for
their review and recommendation to the board.
5. The board shall review the domestic relations order and make the final determination of a
qualified order.
6. The domestic relations order must be considered a qualified order when the plan notifies the
parties the order is approved by the board and a certified copy of the court order has been
submitted to the fund office.
7. If the order is determined to be qualified within eighteen months of receipt:
a. Send notice to all persons named in the order and any representatives designated in
writing by such person that a determination has been made that the order is a qualified
domestic relations order.
b. Comply with the terms of the order.
c. Distribute the amounts as outlined in the order.
8. In the event that the order is determined not to be a qualified domestic relations order or a
determination cannot be made as to whether the order is qualified or not qualified within
eighteen months of receipt of such order:

a. Send written notification of such to all parties.
b. Apply the qualified domestic relations order prospectively only if determined after the
expiration of the eighteen-month period the order as modified, if applicable, is a qualified
domestic relations order.
History: Effective September 1, 1990; amended effective May 1, 1992; April 1, 1994; May 1, 1998;
May 1, 2004.
General Authority: NDCC 15-39.1-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 15-39.1-12.2
### § 82-08-01-03. Format for a qualified domestic relations order.

A qualified domestic relations order must be substantially in the following form:
____________________, )
)
Plaintiff, )
-vs- )
) Case No. _________
)
____________________, )
Defendant. )
.....................................................................................................................................................
This Order is intended to meet the requirements of a "Qualified Domestic Relations Order" relating
to the North Dakota Teachers' Fund for Retirement, hereafter referred to as the "Plan". The Order is
made pursuant to North Dakota Century Code section 15-39.1-12.2. The Order is an integral part of the
judgment entered on [DATE OF DIVORCE] granting a divorce to the above-entitled parties. [This Order
is also drawn pursuant to the laws of the state of North Dakota relating to the equitable distribution of
marital property between spouses and former spouses in actions for dissolution of a marriage.] or [This
Order is drawn pursuant to the laws of the state of North Dakota relating to the provision of child
support to a minor child in actions for dissolution of a marriage.]
[MEMBER'S NAME AND SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER] is the participating member whose
last-known address is [MEMBER'S ADDRESS]. The member's date of birth is [MEMBER'S D.O.B.].
[ALTERNATE PAYEE'S NAME AND SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER] is the alternate payee whose
last-known address is [ALTERNATE PAYEE'S ADDRESS]. The alternate payee's date of birth is
The participating member and the alternate payee were married on [DATE OF MARRIAGE].

Benefits under the plan are distributed as follows: (Choose one)
1. The alternate payee is awarded [______%] of the member's accrued monthly annuity benefit
as of [DATE OF DIVORCE]; (OR)
2. The alternate payee is awarded [$______ ] of the member's accrued monthly annuity benefit
as of [DATE OF DIVORCE].
If payments to the alternate payee begin prior to the member's sixty-fifth birthday, such benefits shall be
reduced actuarially, except that if the member retires or dies prior to the member's sixty-fifth birthday,
the alternate payee shall receive a commensurate share of any early retirement subsidy, beginning as
of the date of the member's retirement or death. Such increase shall be determined actuarially.
Benefit payments to the alternate payee will begin: (Choose one)
1. When the participating member qualifies for normal retirement benefits under the plan. (OR)
2. When the participating member qualifies for early retirement. (OR)
3. When the alternate payee reaches [DATE OR EVENT]. The date or event must be after the
date participating member would qualify for early retirement. (OR)
4. When the participating member retires and begins receiving retirement benefits from the plan.
Benefits to the alternate payee are payable even if the member has not separated from covered
employment. In all cases, the payment will not begin later than when the participating member retires.
If the participating member begins receiving disability retirement benefits, the alternate payee will
also begin receiving the benefits awarded in section I of this Order. The alternate payee's benefit will
begin when the member's benefits begin and will be actuarially reduced to reflect the earlier disability
payment start date.
PAYEE (Choose one)
1. The payments shall be made to the alternate payee on a monthly basis over the life of
the alternate payee and shall cease upon the alternate payee's death and will not revert
back to the member. The payment shall be calculated on the basis of a single life annuity
and will be actuarially adjusted based upon the plan's assumptions to reflect the life
expectancy of the alternate payee.
2. The payments shall be made to the alternate payee on a monthly basis over the life of
the alternate payee and calculated on the basis of:
(Choose one)
(a) a 20-year term certain and life option; (OR)
(b) a 10-year term certain and life option.

The payment will be actuarially adjusted based upon the plan's assumptions to reflect the
life expectancy of the alternate payee.
Upon the alternate payee's death, payments will not revert back to the member, but will
continue to the alternate payee's designated beneficiary under the term certain and life
option identified above.
IV. MEMBER WITHDRAWS FROM RETIREMENT SYSTEM (Choose one)
A. If the participating member discontinues employment and withdraws the member account in a
lump sum, the alternate payee shall receive [___%] of the member's account balance as of
[DATE OF DIVORCE] accumulated with interest as required by the Plan from the divorce date
until the refund is paid; (OR)
B. If the participating member discontinues employment and withdraws the member account in a
lump sum, the alternate payee shall receive [$___] from the member's account balance
accumulated with interest as required by the Plan from [DATE OF DIVORCE] until the refund
is paid. [Note: The dollar amount in this option cannot exceed the member's account balance.]
V. LIMITATIONS OF THIS ORDER (Order must reflect all provisions of this section.)
A. This Order recognizes the existence of the right of the alternate payee to receive all OR a
portion of the benefits payable to the participating members as indicated above.
B. Nothing contained in this Order shall be construed to require any Plan or Plan administrator:
1. To provide to the alternate payee any type or form of benefit or any option not otherwise
available to the participating member under the Plan.
2. To provide the alternate payee benefits, as determined on the basis of actuarial value,
not available to the participating member.
3. To pay any benefits to the alternate payee which are required to be paid to another
alternate payee under another order previously determined by the Plan administrator to
be a qualified domestic relations order.
4. To provide to the alternate payee any increased benefit due to the participating member
under the disability provisions of this plan.
C. If the alternate payee dies prior to beginning receipt of benefits under this Order, the entire
amount that may be due to the alternate payee reverts to the participating member.
D. If the participating member dies prior to retirement and before the alternate payee begins
benefits, the alternate payee will receive [___%] share of the member's survivor benefits
based on service as of [DATE OF DIVORCE]. The alternate payee and any other beneficiaries
will each select their own form of survivor benefit.
If the alternate payee is already in payment, the benefits will continue and the value of the
benefits to the alternate payee will reduce any survivor payment to other beneficiaries.
E. The benefit enhancements provided by the North Dakota legislature for service during the
marital relationship which are adopted after the end of the marital relationship apply to the
alternate payee's portion of benefits under this Order.
F. If participant or alternate payee receives any distribution that should not have been paid per
this Order, the participant or alternate payee is designated a constructive trustee for the
amount received and shall immediately notify RIO and comply with written instructions as to
the distribution of the amount received.

G. Alternate payee is ORDERED to report any payments received on any applicable income tax
return in accordance with Internal Revenue Code provisions or regulations in effect at the time
any payments are issued by RIO. The plan is authorized to issue Form 1099R, or other
applicable form on any direct payment made to alternate payee. Plan participant and alternate
payee must comply with Internal Revenue Code and any applicable regulations.
H. Alternate payee is ORDERED to provide the plan prompt written notification of any changes in
alternate payee's mailing address. RIO shall not be liable for failing to make payments to
alternate payee if RIO does not have current mailing address for alternate payee at time of
payment.
I. Alternate payee shall furnish a certified copy of this Order to RIO.
J. The Court retains jurisdiction to amend this Order so that it will constitute a qualified domestic
relations order under the plan even though all other matters incident to this action or
proceeding have been fully and finally adjudicated. If RIO determines at any time that changes
in the law, the administration of the plan, or any other circumstances make it impossible to
calculate the portion of a distribution awarded to alternate payee by this Order and so notifies
the parties, either or both parties shall immediately petition the Court for reformation of the
Order.
Signed this ________________ day of ________________________, 20_____.
____________________________________________
(Judge Presiding)
This Order is intended to meet the requirements of a "Qualified Domestic Relations Order" relating
to the North Dakota Teachers' Fund for Retirement, hereafter referred to as the "Plan". The Order is
made pursuant to North Dakota Century Code section 15-39.1-12.2. The Order is an integral part of the
judgment entered on [DATE OF DIVORCE] granting a divorce to the above-entitled parties. [This Order
is also drawn pursuant to the laws of the state of North Dakota relating to the equitable distribution of
marital property between spouses and former spouses in actions for dissolution of a marriage.] or [This
Order is drawn pursuant to the laws of the state of North Dakota relating to the provision of child
support to a minor child in actions for dissolution of a marriage.]
[MEMBER'S NAME AND SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER] is the participating member whose
last-known address is [MEMBER'S ADDRESS]. The member's date of birth is [MEMBER'S D.O.B.].
[ALTERNATE PAYEE'S NAME AND SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER] is the alternate payee whose
last-known address is [ALTERNATE PAYEE'S ADDRESS]. The alternate payee's date of birth is
The participating member and the alternate payee were married on [DATE OF MARRIAGE].
Benefits to the participating member under the plan are distributed as follows: (Choose one)

1. The alternate payee is awarded [___%] of the monthly retirement benefit as of [DATE OF
2. The alternate payee is awarded [$___] of the monthly retirement benefit as of [DATE OF
The benefits are payable to the alternate payee in the month following receipt of this signed Order
by the plan or plan administrator as the participating member is currently retired and receiving
benefits under the Plan.
The payments shall be made to the alternate payee on a monthly basis over the life of the
participating member and, if applicable, a continuing monthly annuity will be payable to the
surviving alternate payee after the member's death. The amount of the payments to the
alternate payee will be calculated on the basis of: (Choose the annuity option in existence at
the time of the divorce or legal separation.)
(1) Single life annuity option (OR)
(2) 100% joint and survivor option (OR)
(3) 50% joint and survivor option (OR)
(4) 20-year term certain and life option (OR)
(5) 10-year term certain and life option.
If the alternate payee is the designated beneficiary, the alternate payee must remain as the beneficiary
under the joint and survivor options.
IV. LIMITATIONS OF THIS ORDER (Order must reflect all provisions of this section.)
A. This Order recognizes the existence of the right of the alternate payee to receive all OR a
portion of the benefits payable to the participating members as indicated above.
B. Nothing contained in this Order shall be construed to require any Plan or Plan administrator:
1. To provide to the alternate payee any type or form of benefit or any option not otherwise
available to the participating member under the Plan.
2. To provide the alternate payee benefits, as determined on the basis of actuarial value,
not available to the participating member.
3. To pay any benefits to the alternate payee which are required to be paid to another
alternate payee under another order previously determined by the Plan administrator to
be a qualified domestic relations order.
C. If the provisions of this Order are applied to disability benefits, the benefits will cease to all
parties upon the member's recovery. The parties will then need to submit a new order to allow
for the equitable distribution of any future benefits payable from the plan.
D. Upon the alternate payee's death, if the member is still surviving, the entire amount that may
be due to the alternate payee reverts to the participating member. Upon the member's death,
if the alternate payee is still surviving, the entire benefit will cease under a single life option.

Under a joint and survivor option, the alternate payee will receive the one hundred percent or
fifty percent survivor benefit for the remainder of the alternate payee's life, since the alternate
payee is the joint annuitant. If a term certain option was selected, and the member passes
away before the term certain period has expired while the alternate payee is still living, then
the benefit to the alternate payee will continue and the member's portion will continue to the
member's designated beneficiary to complete the term certain period. If in the last case, the
alternate payee dies before all payments due under the certain period have been made, the
alternate payee's share will continue to the alternate payee's designated beneficiary.
E. The benefit enhancements provided by the North Dakota legislature for service during the
marital relationship which are adopted after the end of the marital relationship apply to the
alternate payee's portion of benefits under this Order.
F. If the participant or alternate payee receives any distribution that should not have been paid
per this Order, the participant or alternate payee is designated a constructive trustee for the
amount received and shall immediately notify RIO and comply with written instructions as to
the distribution of the amount received.
G. Alternate payee is ORDERED to report any payments received on any applicable income tax
return in accordance with Internal Revenue Code provisions or regulations in effect at the time
any payments are issued by RIO. The plan is authorized to issue Form 1099R, or other
applicable form on any direct payment made to alternate payee. Plan participant and alternate
payee must comply with the Internal Revenue Code and any applicable regulations.
H. Alternate payee is ORDERED to provide the plan prompt written notification of any changes in
alternate payee's mailing address. RIO shall not be liable for failing to make payments to
alternate payee if RIO does not have current mailing address for alternate payee at time of
payment.
I. Alternate payee shall furnish a certified copy of this Order to RIO.
J. The Court retains jurisdiction to amend this Order so that it will constitute a qualified domestic
relations order under the plan even though all other matters incident to this action or
proceeding have been fully and finally adjudicated. If RIO determines at any time that changes
in the law, the administration of the plan, or any other circumstances make it impossible to
calculate the portion of a distribution awarded to alternate payee by this Order and so notifies
the parties, either or both parties shall immediately petition the Court for reformation of the
Order.
Signed this ____________ day of ____________________, 20 _____.
________________________________________
(Judge Presiding)
History: Effective April 1, 1994; amended effective January 1, 1998; May 1, 1998; May 1, 2002; May 1,
2004; April 1, 2024.
General Authority: NDCC 15-39.1-07
Law Implemented: NDCC 15-39.1-12.2
