1. (a) The model qualified domestic relations order adopted by the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System pursuant to Arkansas Code § 9-18-103(b) shall be used by a member if a court intends to divide the member’s retirement benefits or contributions between the member and an alternate payee.

2. (b)

   1. (1) The system shall promptly notify a member and the alternate payee upon receiving a QDRO.

   2. (2)

      1. (A) Upon receiving a QDRO, the system shall determine within a reasonable time after receiving the QDRO whether the QDRO complies with:

3. (i) The Arkansas Code;

   1. (ii) The system’s rules;

      1. (iii) The system’s model qualified domestic relations order; and

         1. (iv) Other applicable laws.

      2. (B) The system shall notify the member and the alternate payee in writing if the system determines that a QDRO submitted by the member or alternate payee does not comply with:

         1. (i) The Arkansas Code;
         2. (ii) The system’s rules;
         3. (iii) The system’s model qualified domestic relations order; or
         4. (iv) Other applicable laws.

      3. (C) The system shall accept a QDRO issued by a circuit court of the State of Arkansas or other court of competent jurisdiction regarding a member and an alternate payee if the QDRO complies with:

         1. (i) The Arkansas Code;
         2. (ii) The system’s rules;
         3. (iii) The system’s model qualified domestic relations order; and
         4. (iv) Other applicable laws.

Codification Notes: “QDRO” means qualified domestic relations order.