Domestic Relation Orders - Booklet

Stanislaus County Employees' Retirement Association (StanCERA) retirement benefits are generally payable only to members or their beneficiaries and cannot be paid to others. California state law recognizes an exception to this rule in the case of legal separation and dissolution of marriage. Because retirement benefits earned during marriage are considered community property assets, they must be considered in the property settlement agreement and are subject to disposition by the court.

This booklet provides information on the following topics for members, nonmembers and their representatives to assist in the allocation of a member's retirement benefit.

 - Notifying StanCERA of Pending Legal Separation or Marital Dissolution Action

- Request for Confidential Member Information

- Actuarial Valuation

- Legal Requirements and Procedures

- Joinder Requirements 

-Domestic Relations Order Requirement

Information for Attorneys Drafting Domestic Relations Orders

-Methods of Dividing Community Property - Method available to active and deferred members

 Shared payment Summary of methods available to active and deferred members Method available to retired members Effects of Dissolution on Beneficiary Designation Frequently Asked Questions Definitions ATTACHMENTS

Forms: 

Request for Estimate/Statement of Account Due to Marital Dissolution

Request for Change of Beneficiary

Sample Order Section 31764 - Active Member

Sample Order Section 31760- Active Member

Sample Order Retired Member

All parties are also encouraged to review the StanCERA Member Handbook, which describes the plan and various benefits available to the member.