A “QDRO” refers to the court order needed to divide retirement benefits in divorce. Unlike other community or marital property, retirement plans are not automatically divided.
Even if your divorce judgement states how the retirement is divided between the parties, it will not actually be divided unless you have a QDRO. A QDRO is required during or even after a divorce is final.
A QDRO can also be used to collect alimony or child support.