@dmertz - yes i was referring to the answer indicating that the early-distribution cannot be avoided. That is incorrect. It CAN be avoided.
You provide an interesting take on the multiple distribution point, though. I had a conversation with Fidelity; they will segregate a 401K once it is approved as a QDRO (they have an online form to file it). The alternate payee will then have their own, separate account. In general, Fidelity allows for multiple, non-periodic distributions. They said it was up to my company's benefits admin on how long they allow the funds in that account to exist (I have a call into my company's benefits coordinator to find that out - I will also tell them my plan, just to make sure they don't enforce any other limitations). My bigger question is inre: IRS. Will they allow me to take these multiple distributions without charging me the 10% fee for the subsequent distributions (in years 2, 3, 4, and so on...)
