If a pending domestic relations action (e.g., divorce or legal separation) will affect your Guideline 401(k) you will need to prepare and submit a domestic relations order (DRO). You can find more information about what must be included in a DRO here. In addition, you can get a copy of Guideline’s Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) Determination Procedure and Model QDRO by contacting our participant support team.
While you are not required to use our model QDRO, it can assist in the preparation of a DRO and is intended to make it easier for you to prepare a DRO that meets the requirements to become a QDRO.
Can a draft of my DRO be reviewed before I submit the final version?
Yes. When a draft of your DRO is complete, you may upload it to the Shared Files folder of your participant dashboard. Please notify us once it’s uploaded so we can complete a preliminary review.
Within 30 days of receipt, we will review your order to determine if it conforms to the requirements of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, and the plan's QDRO rules and procedures. If the order does not meet these requirements we will provide feedback and you may continue to draft and submit amended orders.
Please note that this review process is optional. Additionally, completion of the review process does not result in the qualification of the DRO. A final, court approved version must be submitted for qualification.
How do I submit the final DRO for qualification?
Once you have received a certified copy of the court order (based on your state’s requirements), you can mail it to the following address:
Guideline, Attn: Legal
1412 Chapin Avenue
Burlingame, California 94010
Please contact our participant support team once the DRO is mailed out so that we know to look out for it.
This information is general in nature and is for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice. Participants and alternate payees should consult a legal advisor when preparing a DRO.