QDRO Administration Fees

[Guest Cobalt]

I've recently been asked to research the cost of outsourcing QDRO Administration for my company, but I haven't been very lucky so far. Before I start soliciting proposals, I just want to educate myself a little bit.

Can anyone tell me what the typical fee structure is (i.e., per QDRO charge, time and expense, per employee inquiry, etc.)? Additionally, I'd like to know what might be reasonable fees.

Thanks!!!

[QDROphile]

Your main problem for comparison is scope. There are many elements of QDRO administration, and determination of qualification of a domestic relations order is a fiduciary function. When you get information about cost, you have to be sure you know what elements are covered by the cost, and especially if one of the elements is the fiduciary responsibility. Also, you know you get distortion in charges when you are dealing with bundled services and products.

I have heard figures of $500 per order associated with both Fidelity and Vanguard, but I don't know what the fee purported to cover.