Divorce/Domestic Relations Orders

Colorado state law permits the division of PERA retirement benefits through a Domestic Relations Order ("DRO") in conjunction with a divorce involving a PERA member or retiree. A DRO involving a PERA member or a retiree must be created in accordance with Colorado state laws and PERA Rules and procedures. (Since a divorce is a complicated procedure, each party in a divorce should consult with his or her own attorney.)

PERA has created the required forms and specific instructions that must be followed in order to create a valid DRO that PERA will recognize. In addition, PERA would like to review the complete DRO Order and Agreement, along with the proposed Divorce Decree and Separation Agreement, prior to submission to the Court.

The DRO materials listed below may be downloaded from this site or a DRO packet can be ordered by e-mailing Customer Service, completing a Member Order Form, or calling 303-832-9550 or
1-800-759-7372.

• PERA Benefits and Divorce
  An overview of the provisions of applicable law and PERA Rule 15 that affect benefit payments to a PERA member or retiree (the "Participant") and the spouse of a PERA member or retiree (the "Alternate Payee").

• Domestic Relations Order ("Order")
  This form must be used by the court, without changes or alterations, for the division of a PERA benefit plan and/or for modification of a prior DRO for a PERA benefit plan.

• Agreement for Domestic Relations Order ("Agreement")
  This form must be used by the parties, without changes or alterations, for an Agreement for a DRO or modification of a prior DRO.

• Authorization to Release Financial Information in a Divorce
  This form is to be used by the Participant to authorize PERA to release to an entity or individual any confidential PERA records and information relating to that Participant's PERA account.

• Your PERA Benefits
  A brochure explaining the PERA program in detail.

• PERA Rule 15
  A copy of the applicable PERA Rule affecting DROs.

For questions relating to a DRO, please call PERA's Legal Department at 303-832-9550, extension 6271 or 1-800-759-7372 extension 6271.

Note: The materials are provided as Adobe® PDF files. If you need information about accessing and printing PDF files, it is available on the Printing and Viewing Forms and Publications page of this Web site.