That's my understanding also......the filing of the QDRO in the divorce entitles you to your portion of the retirement fund as defined by the divorce. If it's not specified in the divorce, then it's all up to him who he chooses as his beneficiary which may or may not be you. It can be changed at any time if it's not specified as part of the divorce just as life insurance beneficiaries can be changed......so I would recommend making sure that it's specified in your divorce since it won't be finalized until Oct 22....you still have time to make sure it's included......the paperwork necessary to accomplish this is called the QDRO.....my lawyer hates dealing with them & told me it costs extra for him to deal with that.....oh well....it's worth it.