However, the law provides limited exceptions to this rule. One exception is that a court may reduce your benefit as a result of a crime or fiduciary breach committed against the Fund.

Another exception is that the Plan Administrator may be required by law to assign your benefits if required by a “qualified domestic relations order” (also called a “QDRO”). A QDRO is generally defined as a decree or order issued under state domestic relations law that requires that all or a portion of your benefits under the Plan are assigned to provide child support, alimony or spousal rights to an opposite sex spouse or former spouse, child or other dependent (each referred to as an “alternate payee”).

The Plan will determine the validity of any domestic relations order received in accordance with the Plan’s procedures for determining whether an order constitutes a QDRO. You will be notified if the Fund receives such a QDRO on your benefits. You or your beneficiary may get a free copy of the Plan procedures covering Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (and how the Plan determines if they are valid) from the Fund office.