What is Qualified Domestic Relations Order?

A qualified domestic relations order is entered in some dissolution of marriage cases. The purpose of the QDRO, as it is called, is to secure pension benefits belonging to one party to be split in some equitable fashion to the other party. The order mandates the third party employer, or pension manager, to comply with the order, even though the employer is not a party in the proceeding. The QDRO essentially orders the pension manager to pay the spouse as a beneficiary under the pension plan.