Educate Yourself

Life Changes

DIVORCE
How is my TRS account affected by divorce?

Should you divorce, your beneficiary information on file with TRS may need to be updated.  Please note:  Divorce decrees have no impact on your TRS account.  TRS is a state administered retirement plan and is not subject to Qualified Domestic Relation Orders (QDROs).  Funds from TRS are exempt from levy, garnishment, or attachment, and a TRS member cannot assign his or her benefits (Georgia Law - O.C.G.A. § 47-3-28).  Any division of funds to which a member may agree must be handled privately by that member after payment is made to him/her by TRS.

A member cannot make a partial withdrawal from his/her account.  Accounts can only be refunded in full, and only after the date a member has terminated his/her TRS covered employment. (O.C.G.A. § 47-3-128).   TRS will make payment only to the member.